We Want That Joy Too – Rising Starlets Draw On U17 Legacy Ahead of Tanzania World Cup Qualifier Clash

Kenya's Under-20 women's team captain, Fasila Adhiambo, has revealed that the Rising Starlets are working around the clock to ensure they qualify for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup to be held in Poland from September 5 to 27.

Fasila Adhiambo explained that the recent graduates from the U17 squad are intensifying the team's drive to qualify for the global showpiece.

A significant number of players from the historic U17 team, which became the first Kenyan side to qualify for a FIFA World Cup, have been promoted to the U20 setup, and they are looking forward to making history with the senior side.

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The U-17 side competed in last year's tournament in the Dominican Republic, securing one win and suffering two losses.

In an interview with Telecomasia.net, Fasila Adhiambo explained that these newly promoted players are inspiring the U20 team, the Rising Starlets, to replicate their success.

The Starlets have already advanced to the third round of World Cup qualifiers after a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over Ethiopia, which included a 4-0 win at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

In the first leg of their match against Ethiopia at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Rising Starlets were held to a 1-1 draw, but they bounced back swiftly in their return leg.

"When we talk in camp, in the dressing room, they are always telling us about their experience at the World Cup and how nice it was," Adhiambo said.

"That really motivates those of us who weren't part of that team. We also want to experience that kind of joy and play on that kind of platform."

Fasila Adhiambo further explained that qualifying for the World Cup would be huge for the country and for the players, as it could open doors for them to move to bigger leagues abroad.

She added that having World Cup qualification on a player’s CV is a massive achievement, and that is what is driving them to try and reach the milestone.

"We know that qualifying for the World Cup is huge for the country and for us as players because it will open doors for us to move to bigger leagues abroad," she added.

Kenya is set to face neighbouring Tanzania in the penultimate round of qualification in February 2026.