Kenya’s Rising Starlets thrash Angola 6-1 in FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier

Kenya’s U-20 women’s national team, Rising Starlets, put on a dominant display to thrash Angola 6-1 in the first leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

Valerie Nekesa was the star of the show for the Starlets, scoring a hat-trick and setting up another goal. Charity Midewa also scored a brace, while Faith Naliaka rounded off the scoring.

The Starlets got off to a flying start, with Nekesa scoring twice in the opening six minutes. She completed her hat-trick in the 21st minute, before Midewa added a fourth goal just before half-time.

The Angolans pulled one back early in the second half, but the Starlets restored their four-goal advantage in the 57th minute through Midewa. Naliaka then sealed the victory in the 80th minute.

The Starlets will now travel to Angola for the second leg on Saturday, October 14, 2023. If they can avoid defeat, they will qualify for the third round of the qualifiers, where they will face the winner of the tie between Cameroon and Botswana.

This is a fantastic result for the Rising Starlets, who are one step closer to qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. The team has shown great promise in recent years, and this result is a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The Starlets are coached by Beldine Odemba, who is the first female coach of a Kenyan national team. She has done a remarkable job with the team, and she will be hoping to lead them to qualification for the World Cup.

The TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers start today, September 20, 2023. This biennial tournament is the continent’s premier women’s football competition.

The Rising Starlets have the potential to be a major force in women’s football in Africa. With a talented squad and a dedicated coaching team, they are well on their way to achieving their goals.