NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 24 – Kenya clinched a historic first ever victory at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, as they bowed out in style, edging out Mexico 2-1 in their final Group C match in Santa Domingo early Thursday morning.
Valerie Nekesa and Lornah Faith scored the historic goals, as the Junior Starlets ensured they left an indelible mark in the Dominican Republic, after back to back losses to England and two-time champions Korea DPR.
Heading into the match, coach Mildred Cheche’s girls were under no pressure but they were determined to bow out on a high. They started faster off the blocks and minutes in, Marion Serenge should have netted the opener when she went through on goal but her shot was saved by the keeper.
The early pressure bore fruit in the 15th minute when Nekesa broke the deadlock off a brilliantly executed counter attack. A long ball from keeper Velma Abwire picked out Joan Ogola’s run on the left, the latter cutting back a cross that Nekesa tapped into an empty net.
It was 2-0 after 35 minutes when Nekesa flicked Faith through, the latter striking a brilliant left footer into the net.
He Mexicans drew one back at the stroke of full time from the penalty spot. The South Americans requested a referee review after Reyes Citlalli was brought down inside the box. A visit to the VAR booth by the ref saw her award a penalty which was tucked home by Soto Alexa.
The Kenyan girls however had done enough to save their space in the history books, and now come back home heads high from the experience of a first ever World Cup.
