Former Harambee Starlets coach Alex Alumira has thrown his weight behind Jackline Juma’s Rising Starlets, declaring them ready to finish the job and clinch a place at the 2027 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after a tense first-leg victory over Tanzania.
Late Strike Sets the Stage for a Dramatic Return Leg
At the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, Elizabeth Mideva delivered a dramatic 84th‑minute winner to hand Kenya a 1–0 advantage heading into the second leg in Dar es Salaam on February 14. The slender lead has injected belief into the squad and set up a mouthwatering showdown in Tanzania.
Alumira Praises Mental Strength and Team Chemistry
Speaking to Citizen Digital, Alumira — now the FKF Head of Football Education and School Football Programs — hailed the performance and the mindset coach Juma has instilled. “I’m confident that they will beat Tanzania in their backyard and qualify for the final round,” he said, applauding the team’s mental resilience.
Alumira pointed to the core of the side as a key advantage: many players graduated from the U17 squad that featured at the 2024 U17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, a continuity he says has forged strong chemistry between coach Juma and assistant Mildred Cheche.
Tactical Caution and Respect for the Opposition
Alumira warned that the tie is far from over. He expects Tanzania to attack at home and urged the Starlets to remain disciplined at the back. He also defended Juma’s management of player fitness and substitutions, asking fans to trust the coach’s judgment on when to introduce players like Emily Moranga.
“Let’s give coach Juma space to lead the team and I’m sure we will beat Tanzania and go on to qualify for the World Cup,” Alumira said, summing up his faith in the squad and staff.
Road to Poland Beckons
The Starlets touched down in Dar es Salaam on Monday and have begun preparations for the return leg at the Azam Complex Stadium. A victory over Tanzania would propel Kenya into the final qualifying round, where they would face the winner of the tie between Botswana and Cameroon. The ultimate prize: a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, scheduled for September 5–27, 2027.
Momentum, Experience, and a Nation Watching
With momentum on their side and a nucleus of players who have tasted global competition, the Rising Starlets carry both experience and expectation into the decisive clash. Alumira’s public backing adds a veteran’s seal of approval — and a reminder that, for this young Kenyan side, the dream of the World Cup is very much alive.
