News Focus
- Brenda Achieng scores seven goals in dominant display
- Match abandoned after Sudan reduced to six players
- Junior Starlets record 16-0 victory in group opener
- Kenya face Somalia next before final group clash against Tanzania
Striker Brenda Achieng delivered a stunning seven-goal performance as Kenya’s Junior Starlets began their CECAFA Under-17 Women’s Championship campaign with a crushing 16-0 victory against Sudan at the KMC Stadium in Tanzania.
The young forward found the net five times before the break and added two more after half-time. The Kenyan side completely dominated the clash from start to finish.
Lindey Weey, Elizabeth Alizeba, Beverline Awuor, and Mwanakombo Bakari all scored twice each. Tabitha Wambui contributed one goal, while Sudan’s defence also turned the ball into their own net for an own goal.
The Kenyan teenagers produced a ruthless attacking display on the pitch. They raced to a remarkable 13-0 lead by half-time.
Kenya continued to find the net after the interval, extending their lead to an incredible 16-0. The contest soon resembled a training session as the Starlets cut through the Sudanese defence at will.
The team’s smooth passing and clinical finishing showed that coach Mildred Cheche’s plan to use this regional competition for preparation was working perfectly.
The game took a strange turn after half-time. Sudan suffered several injuries and could not match Kenya’s speed. Their squad numbers dropped quickly.
Officials ended the match at around the 60-minute mark. Sudan had only six fit players left on the field. Football rules state that a match must stop if a team has fewer than seven players.
The referee awarded the victory to Kenya. The Starlets collected three points and a strong goal difference to begin their tournament.
Although the circumstances were unusual, this result gives the young Kenyan team great confidence for the matches ahead. The Junior Starlets will face Somalia on Monday in their second group match. They will conclude the group stage against hosts Tanzania on the 17th of this month.