Japan Eliminates Kenya's Junior Starlets from U-17 World Cup with Comeback Victory
Japan advanced to the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, ending Kenya's historic run in the Round of 16 in Morocco.
The story
Kenya's Junior Starlets saw their historic FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup campaign conclude on Thursday, October 29, after a 3-1 defeat to Japan in the Round of 16. The match, held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, Morocco, saw Kenya take a surprising lead through Brenda Achieng.
However, the former champions Japan quickly responded, with Mei Hanashiro leveling the score. Nanami Kurita then put Japan ahead, capitalizing on a loose ball from a corner, before Asuka Tanaka sealed the 3-1 victory late in the game. Despite the loss, Kenya's coach Mildred Cheche expressed pride in her team's performance, highlighting their resilience and the significance of scoring against Japan, who had not conceded a goal previously in the tournament.
Yesterday's results
Kenya vs Japan (FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Round of 16)
Score: 1-3
Key: Brenda Achieng (KEN); Mei Hanashiro, Nanami Kurita, Asuka Tanaka (JPN) scored. Match played at Mohammed VI Football Complex, Sale, Morocco.
Where it stands
In the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Japan's 3-1 victory over Kenya on October 29 secured their spot in the quarterfinals. Kenya's Junior Starlets are now eliminated from the tournament after their Round of 16 exit. Japan will proceed to face Ghana in the next stage of the competition.
Off the pitch
| Player | From | To | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Ngumoha | Liverpool | Bayern Munich (failed bid) | €72 million (reported bid) |
What we'll be watching
- FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Quarterfinal: Japan vs Ghana (Date and venue to be confirmed)
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