By Bonface Mulyungi
Junior Starlets could not have asked for a better start to their CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship campaign after dismantling Sudan 16-0 in a record-breaking Group A match at KMC Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The contest was cut short in the second half after Sudan were reduced to six players following a series of injuries, forcing the referee to abandon the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game.
With the visitors unable to field the minimum seven players required to continue, Kenya were awarded a victory that will stand in the tournament records.
By the time the match was halted, the Junior Starlets had already produced one of the most dominant displays in the competition’s history.
Brenda Achieng led the charge with a sensational seven-goal performance as Kenya tore through the Sudan defence from the opening whistle. The prolific forward scored five times before halftime and added two more after the restart to cap a memorable afternoon.
Kenya’s attacking threat came from all corners of the pitch. Lindey Weey Atieno and Elizabeth Opiyo each bagged two goals, while Flavien Khatenje, Tabitha Wambui, Beverline Atieno and Mwanakombo Bakari also got on the scoresheet.
Sudan’s misery was compounded by an own goal as the Junior Starlets continued to pile on the pressure.
The victory rewrites the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship record books, surpassing the previous biggest winning margin and highest-scoring match record of 14-0, which Kenya themselves set against Djibouti in 2019.
Sudan struggled to contain Kenya’s relentless attacks and suffered further setbacks as injuries depleted their squad. Moments after Kenya netted their 16th goal, the Sudanese side were left unable to continue, bringing an early end to the contest.
The result hands coach Mildred Cheche’s side three points and a massive goal-difference advantage in Group A, which also features hosts Tanzania and Somalia.
For a team using the regional championship as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa, the emphatic victory offers both confidence and momentum.
While tougher tests undoubtedly lie ahead, the Junior Starlets announced their arrival in the tournament in emphatic fashion, delivering a performance that will be remembered as one of the most dominant in CECAFA history.
