FIFA U17 World Cup: Starlets Land In Spain, To Face Hosts Dominican Republic In World Cup Build-up

Action between Junior Starlets (in red) against CF Intercity Femenino in a friendly match held at the Albir Grounds, Spain on Monday. PHOTO/ FKF

ALBIR, Spain-Junior Starlets have landed in the Dominican Republic to acclimatise for the weather ahead of the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup that kicks off on October 16- November 3.

The team has already set up a friendly match against the hosts which will be their final engagement before the global football extravaganza begins.

The clash against Dominican Republic comes in the wake of a 4-1 thumping of CF Intercity Femenino in another friendly encounter held on Monday at the Albir Grounds, Spain where Starlets had a successful 11 day pre-World Cup training.

Against the CF Intercity Femenino showdown, Valerine Nekesa opened the scoring in the 18th minute for the Starlets, capitalizing on a well-placed pass from Joan Ogola on the flanks.

However, CF Intercity Femenino found an equalizer just before halftime, leveling the score 1-1 in the 45th minute before the breather.
In the second half, Quinter Odiwuor restored the Starlets’ lead with a brilliant solo run down the wing, making it 2-1.

As the game progressed, Lorna Faith extended the lead to 3-1 in the 86th minute with a stunning top-corner strike.

Finally, Valencia Joy Angela added the finishing touch, slotting in the fourth goal after Jane Kweyu’s initial attempt, sealing a dominant 4-1 win.

Action between Junior Starlets (in red) against CF Intercity Femenino in a friendly match held at the Albir Grounds, Spain on Monday. PHOTO/ FKF

In other friendly matches held in Spain during the pre-World Cup training, Starlets cruised past València CF Women with a resounding 4-1 win before drawing 1-1 with Portugal.

The friendly games, the pre-training  camp in Spain and now the acclimatisation in the Dominican Republic are all vital for the Starlets as they sharpen their tactics and building  match fitness ahead of their showdown in the World Cup where they are scheduled to face England on October 18, Korea DPR on October 20, before concluding their group stage matches against Mexico on October 24.

Junior Starlets World Cup Squad

Goalkeepers

Velma Auma, Ephy Awuor (Madira Girls), Scovia Awuor

Defenders

Elizebeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga,  Jenevieve Mithel, Christine Adhiambo, Kimberly Akinyi, Diana Anyango

Midfielders

Velma Awuor,  Brenda Awuor , Halima Imbachi, Rebecca Odato,  Susan Akoth, Lindi Weey Atieno, Pearl Olesi, Lorna Faith

Forwards

Valerie Nekesa, Joan Ogola, Marion Serenge, Quinter Adhiambo, Jane Kweyu, Joy Angela Valencia.