News Focus
- Emily Adhiambo scores a spectacular goal from the centre circle to level the match
- Kenya’s Junior Starlets secure a 1-1 draw against Uganda in the World Cup qualifier first leg
- Shadia Nabirye opened the scoring for the hosts in front of a packed Kampala crowd
- The winner-takes-all second leg will take place on May 30 at Nyayo National Stadium
- The victorious side will advance to the final qualification round for the global finals
KAMPALA, Uganda – Forward Emily Adhiambo produced a moment of pure brilliance to rescue Kenya. Her incredible long-range strike secured a 1-1 draw for the Junior Starlets against Uganda. The result came in the first leg of their FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier on Friday evening.
The heated regional derby took place in a packed stadium in the Ugandan capital. Both teams battled hard for control of the tie. The Ugandan side drew first blood through Shadia Nabirye. Her goal put the home team ahead and placed immediate pressure on Mildred Cheche’s squad.
However, Adhiambo changed the game with one swing of her boot. She spotted the Ugandan goalkeeper standing far off her line. The Kenyan striker then launched a powerful shot from the halfway line. The ball sailed over the retreating keeper and dipped into the net. The stunning equaliser left the home supporters silent.
The draw gives Kenya a slight advantage ahead of the return fixture. Coach Cheche had to make changes to her defence before the match. Several players suffered injuries during the training camp. Despite these problems, her team held firm against late pressure from Uganda.
The aggregate score now stands level at 1-1. Everything will be decided in Nairobi next week. The second leg kicks off at 3:00 PM EAT on Saturday, May 30. The match will take place at Nyayo National Stadium. The winner will move one step closer to the World Cup finals.
The Junior Starlets now hope for strong support from local fans. A victory would send them to the final qualification round. The team aims to secure another appearance at the global tournament.