Kenya’s Junior Starlets have received a message of encouragement from Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed following their 6-1 defeat to the United States at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco. Mohammed’s message, “We will get there,” reflects his confidence in the long-term future of Kenyan women’s football despite the team’s difficult campaign.
The defeat on Thursday, October 22, left Kenya facing a difficult task after losing their opening two Group E matches. However, the team’s participation in the global tournament remains an important opportunity to gain experience against some of the strongest youth teams in the world.
Junior Starlets Suffer Heavy Defeat Against USA
The Junior Starlets struggled to contain the United States in their second group match at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.
American forward Maddie DiMaria was the standout performer, scoring four goals in the first half to give her side a commanding advantage. Loradana Paletta extended the lead after the break before Gianna Hanf added another goal late in the match.
Kenya managed a consolation goal through Lindey Weey Atieno, who found the net in stoppage time with a long-range effort. Her goal gave the Kenyan side a memorable moment despite the heavy defeat.
The result followed Kenya’s 3-0 loss to China in their opening match, leaving the team without a point after two games.
Hussein Mohammed Offers Encouragement
The message attributed to FKF president Hussein Mohammed comes at a challenging time for the young Kenyan players.
Rather than viewing the results as the end of their progress, the focus is on using international exposure to identify areas that need improvement and strengthen the country’s football development structures.
The tournament has highlighted the demands of competing at this level, including the need for stronger defensive organisation, better finishing and consistent preparation against international opposition.
Mohammed has also been involved in discussions with FIFA officials in Morocco concerning the future of women’s football in Kenya. The talks have focused on long-term development, including pathways for the senior Harambee Starlets, technical facilities and strengthening the structures supporting women’s football.
What Went Wrong for the Junior Starlets?
Kenya showed some attacking promise during the tournament but struggled to turn opportunities into goals and contain opponents’ attacking pressure.
Against the United States, DiMaria’s four first-half goals put Kenya in a difficult position early in the game. The Americans continued to create chances after the break, exposing the gap between the two sides on the day.
For coach Mildred Cheche and her technical team, the matches provide important lessons in tactical organisation, decision-making and taking chances in front of goal.
The players are still young, and experience gained from competing at a World Cup can contribute to their development if supported by consistent training, competitive fixtures and investment in youth football.
Kenya’s Final Group Match Against Samoa
The Junior Starlets are scheduled to face Samoa in their final Group E match on Sunday, October 25,
Following two defeats, Kenya’s chances of reaching the knockout stage became extremely slim. The team would need a strong victory and favourable results elsewhere to have any chance of progressing as one of the best third-placed sides.
The final fixture will therefore offer an opportunity to finish the group campaign on a positive note and build confidence for future competitions.
A Long-Term Journey for Kenyan Women’s Football
The Junior Starlets’ World Cup campaign has delivered difficult results, but the bigger question is how Kenyan football can build on the experience.
Developing competitive national teams takes sustained investment in coaching, grassroots programmes, player pathways and regular international competition. Stronger structures can help young players progress into senior national teams and professional football.
Mohammed’s reported message, “We will get there,” captures the long-term challenge facing Kenyan football: turning participation at major tournaments into steady progress and more competitive performances.
For the Junior Starlets, the immediate focus is their final group match. Beyond Morocco, continued support and development will be essential if Kenya hopes to close the gap on established international teams and achieve greater success in women’s football.
