Kenya’s Junior Starlets are stepping up preparations for their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Round of 16 encounter against Japan, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs. The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, 2026, at Mohammed VI Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, as the Kenyan side seeks to continue its historic run at the global tournament. Head coach Mildred Cheche and her players secured their first-ever qualification for the knockout stage after recording a convincing 4-0 victory over Samoa in their final Group E fixture on Sunday, October 25.
The result helped Kenya qualify as one of the four best third-placed teams, keeping their hopes of advancing further in the competition alive.
Junior Starlets Bounce Back Against Samoa
Kenya’s journey to the Round of 16 followed a difficult start, with the team losing 3-0 to China before suffering a 6-1 defeat against the United States. Those results left the Starlets needing a strong performance against Samoa, alongside favourable outcomes in other groups, to remain in contention for the knockout stages. The Kenyan girls responded with an impressive display, scoring four goals without reply to secure the crucial victory and make history in their second appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
Despite celebrating the milestone, Cheche has maintained that the team must remain focused as it prepares to face Japan. The coach acknowledged the quality of their opponents but said the Starlets would prepare thoroughly and give their best on match day.
Cheche noted that Japan would not be an easy team to overcome, but expressed confidence in her players’ determination to compete and see how the encounter unfolds. She also praised the team for reaching the knockout stage for the first time, while reminding the players that more work lies ahead if they are to progress to the quarter-finals.
Mwanakombo Bakari Targets More Goals Against Japan
Forward Mwanakombo Bakari will be among the players expected to lead Kenya’s attacking efforts after delivering a standout performance against Samoa. Bakari scored twice in the 4-0 victory and was named Player of the Match, providing a major boost to her confidence ahead of the knockout encounter. The forward credited her teammates for contributing to her individual achievement, acknowledging the collective effort that helped Kenya secure the important win.
She expressed determination to improve her performance against Japan, with the hope of scoring more goals to help the Junior Starlets reach the quarter-finals. Bakari’s contribution against Samoa could prove important as Kenya seeks to build on its attacking momentum against a Japanese team known for its strength in youth women’s football.
Japan Pose a Major Test for Kenya
Japan, popularly known as the Little Nadeshiko, enter the encounter with considerable experience at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The Asian side won the tournament in 2014 and finished as runners-up in 2010 and 2016, demonstrating a strong record in the competition. Japan have also won the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup four times, further highlighting their achievements in youth women’s football.
Their experience at this level presents a significant challenge for Kenya, which will be seeking to match Japan’s quality while maintaining the confidence gained from the victory over Samoa. For the Junior Starlets, the encounter offers an opportunity to make further history by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time. With the team’s preparations intensifying, Kenyan fans will be hoping that Cheche’s charges can deliver another determined performance and extend their memorable World Cup campaign.
