Kenya's Rising Starlets secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania in the first leg of the third round of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers. Elizabeth Mideva scored the decisive goal in the 85th minute at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The win gives Kenya a slender advantage ahead of the return leg in Dar es Salaam.
The match on February 7, 2026, at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi was a tense affair, with both teams vying for control in this crucial qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.
Kenya, coached by Jackline Juma, started aggressively, enjoying periods of possession and creating early chances. Captain Fasila Adhiambo showed confidence on the ball, while forwards Valarie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva linked up effectively. In the 13th minute, Pearl Olesi fired a shot over the bar, and Lorna Faith had attempts in the 20th and 25th minutes that narrowly missed.
Tanzania responded with threats, including a shot on target from Asha Omary in the 15th minute, saved by Kenyan goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo. A potential Tanzanian goal in stoppage time of the first half was disallowed for a foul on Lorine Ilavonga, leaving the score 0-0 at halftime.
The second half remained competitive, with possession shifting rapidly. Kenya missed opportunities, such as Nekesa failing to connect with a cross around the 60th minute. Substitutions injected energy: Emily Moranga replaced Lorna Faith in the 74th minute, and Hilder Natecho came on at halftime for Pearl Olesi.
The breakthrough came in the 85th minute when Moranga's shot hit a Tanzanian defender's arm, but Mideva pounced on the loose ball and fired past goalkeeper Nusra Hamisi. Tanzania pushed for an equalizer, with Winfrida Hubert testing Adhiambo twice late on, but Kenya held firm.
Juma praised her team's resilience post-match: “We are happy to pick a win and now we must prepare well for the return leg.” The aggregate winner will face the victor of Cameroon vs. Botswana in the final round, with four African teams qualifying for the tournament from September 5-27, 2026.
Kenya's starting lineup included Christine Adhiambo in goal, with Fasila Adhiambo as captain. Tanzania lined up with Nusra Hamisi in goal and Winfrida Castor as captain.
