Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has finalised a 21-player squad for the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Morocco, with injuries forcing four players out of the group on the eve of the tournament, which begins on Saturday, 17 October.

Kenya, who made their debut at the finals in 2024, are in Group E alongside China, the United States and Samoa. Cheche's side open their campaign against China on Monday, 19 October, before facing the United States on 22 October and Samoa on 25 October, according to TV47 and Pulse Sports.

Injuries force late changes

Citizen Digital reported that Nyakach Girls defender Idah Matara, Wiyeta Girls midfielder Clarice Demba and forwards Faith Boke of Butere Girls and Patience Waithere of St Joseph's Girls, Murang'a, have been left out. The quartet, who had been part of the initial 24-player group, picked up injuries in friendlies against Sporting Club Casablanca and Ghana's Under-17 side. Boke is still undergoing rehabilitation after failing to recover in time.

Their absence has opened the door for two newcomers. Nyakach Girls pair Peninah Fostine and Joan Agola earned their places on the back of strong performances in training camp. The squad has also been boosted by the arrival of United States-based midfielder Mwanakombo Bakari of Spire Academy, who joined her teammates in Morocco on 15 October.

The final squad

Goalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls), Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls).

Defenders: Pauline Namisi (Desert Scorpions), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Bevarline Awuor (Mathare Women), Ruth Mulongo (Wiyeta Girls), Daisy Adongo (Katonje Mix), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls Primary School), Fleviah Khatenje (St Joseph's, Kitale).

Midfielders: Mwanakombo Bakari (Spire Academy, USA), Beryl Okumu (Nyakach Girls), Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Raila School), Peninah Fostine (Nyakach Girls).

Forwards: Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill), Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding' Primary), Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls), Tabitha Wambui (Mathare United Women), Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (LWAK Girls).

The list leans heavily on school football, with Nyakach Girls alone supplying five players and Wiyeta Girls two, while club sides Mathare Women, Mathare United Women and Desert Scorpions are also represented.

From participants to competitors

Cheche has made clear that simply turning up is no longer the target. "The mindset is not just to participate; it is to compete," she said, as quoted by TV47. "In 2024 we participated, but in 2026 we need to compete."

The tournament runs until early November, with the top two teams in each group and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the round of 16, Citizen Digital reported. A positive result against China on Monday would give Kenya a valuable platform before a demanding meeting with the United States.

Photo: Citizen Digital