The Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata became the epicentre of East African football today as Kenya’s Rising Starlets hosted Tanzania’s “Tanzanite Queens” in a high-stakes FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier. More than just a game, this third-round, first-leg encounter represents a fierce battle for regional supremacy and a chance to move one step closer to the 2026 World Cup in Poland.
Coach Jackline Juma’s side entered the match with high spirits following a dominant 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia in the previous round. Juma has relied heavily on the “golden generation”—the Junior Starlets who made history at the 2024 U-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. These young women have grown into their roles, bringing a level of international experience and mental toughness that was previously lacking in the U-20 setup.
However, the task today was far from easy. Tanzania arrived in Nairobi in devastating form, having dismantled Angola with a staggering 7-0 aggregate score line. The visitors’ frontline, led by the prolific Winfrida Gerald, is widely considered one of the most dangerous in Africa.
Captain Fasila Adhiambo, who ironically plays her club football for Simba Queens in Tanzania, has been the bridge for the Kenyan side. “I know how they play, and I have shared those secrets with my teammates,” she said ahead of the match. Kenya felt the absence of star winger Joan Ogola, sidelined by a knee injury, but the depth of the squad was tested as Hilder Natecho and Pauline Namisi earned their first competitive starts.
The atmosphere at Ulinzi was electric, with fans turning up in large numbers to support the home team. As the first leg concludes, the focus shifts to the return fixture in Dar es Salaam on February 14. For the Rising Starlets, the mission is clear: secure a lead at home and hold their nerve in the “lions’ den” of the Azam Complex next week.