Kenya suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Cameroon in the final round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, April 20, at the Nyayo National Stadium.

The loss puts enormous pressure on the Junior Starlets ahead of the decisive second leg in Yaoundé later this month.

Starlets dominated the early stages, crafting several notable chances. However, Cameroon seized their opportunity in the 30th minute when Melong rose to head in a corner from Ngassa Yolande, handing the visitors a crucial lead.

Coach Mildred Cheche responded by substituting midfielder Lindey Atieno for Brenda Achieng, who won a free kick from about 30 yards out. Elizabeth Ochaka’s shot, however, sailed over the crossbar.

A more energised Kenya returned after halftime. Kenya’s relentless pressure saw the Cameroonian goalkeeper repeatedly come up with crucial saves, punching away multiple corners and denying shots from Lindey Atieno and Patience Asiko.

Asiko, who came on later in the match, rattled the post, marking Kenya’s third strike off the woodwork.

Cameroon slowed the tempo with several stoppages, and their coach, Joseph Ndoko, was shown a yellow card for dissent. Despite Kenya’s dominance in possession and set-piece chances, they could not break through the West Africans’ tight defence.

Coach Mildred Cheche acknowledged the improved second-half performance but lamented the failure to convert chances. She is confident of turning the result around in the second leg.

“Cameroon have everything to lose in the next leg. They should expect a very difficult match.” she said.

Starlets face a critical away fixture on April 25 at Stade Olembe in Yaoundé, where a victory is essential to keep hopes alive for a second-ever appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

This year’s tournament, the ninth edition, will be hosted by Morocco from October 7 to November 8, 2025.