Harambee Starlets U17 head coach Mildred Cheche took a positive outlook following Kenya’s 2-0 defeat to England in their FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup debut, focusing on the team’s defensive organization and individual performances. While acknowledging the challenges posed by their opponents, Cheche found much to build on from the match.

“I am happy with how the team was defensively organized and showed the power to run behind the opponent. Overall, we did well as per the plan,” said Cheche in her post-match comments. She also highlighted Marion Serenge’s contributions, saying, “Marion Serenge played really well; I think she showed good speed. All that is left for us is to continue pushing her, and hopefully, she will be a really big player.”

Cheche’s optimism reflects a belief in the potential of the young squad, even as they faced a difficult start against a well-prepared England side.

The match saw Kenya make a promising start, managing their first effort on target within just two minutes as Valarie Nekesa tested the England goalkeeper with an ambitious shot. But England gradually took control, dictating the game’s tempo and nearly breaking through in the 18th minute when Isabella Fisher sent a close-range effort over the bar.

Fisher continued to threaten the Kenyan defense, forcing goalkeeper Velma Abwire into action with a powerful shot from the edge of the box in the 27th minute. Abwire kept Kenya’s hopes alive with a crucial save, but the pressure told a minute later when Diana Anyango’s handball led to a penalty. Lola Brown stepped up to the spot and slotted the ball home, giving England a 1-0 lead.

A tense moment followed in the 33rd minute when Rebecca Odato’s challenge on Omotara Junaid led to a VAR review for a possible red card. However, the referee stuck to her initial decision, issuing only a yellow card, a reprieve for Kenya that kept the match within reach.

England’s persistent attacks continued, with Omotara Junaid nearly doubling their lead in the 38th minute, only to be denied by Abwire’s quick reaction off her line. Abwire was also alert just before halftime when she recovered from a near-mishap to prevent Laila Harbert’s long-range shot from slipping through, keeping the scoreline 1-0 at the break.

Kenya came out for the second half with renewed determination, showing better composure and intent in their play. Valarie Nekesa nearly grabbed an equalizer, embarking on a solo run that ended with a shot into the side netting. Despite their improved performance, Kenya’s final-third decisions fell short, leaving England’s keeper Hope McSheffrey with little to do.

The game’s decisive moment came in the 87th minute when substitute Laura Thompson capitalized on a loose ball at midfield, racing towards the Kenyan goal before slotting it in off the right post to seal the 2-0 victory for England.

Kenya now sits third in Group C, trailing behind North Korea, who won their opening match 4-1 against Mexico. Despite the defeat, Cheche’s comments underscore a belief in her team’s potential to improve as they gear up for the remaining group-stage matches. As Kenya seeks to make a mark in the tournament, the focus remains on learning from their debut and building towards a stronger performance.