Harambee Starlets U-17 /Photo courtesy/
The Kenyan U-17 women’s football team has made a notable impact at the ongoing FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2024.
The tournament which started on the 16th this month in the Dominican Republic will end on November 3. Despite an impressive qualifying campaign, where the Sartlets decisively overcame Burundi with a 5-0 aggregate score, they have encountered significant obstacles in the group stage.
In their initial matches, Kenya suffered defeats of 2-0 against England and 3-0 against North Korea, placing them in a precarious position as they prepare for their crucial final group match against Mexico on October 24, 2024. The players are resolute in their determination to leave a lasting impression, showcasing their resilience and burgeoning talent on this prestigious global platform.
This tournament is historic, marking the first time the Dominican Republic has hosted a FIFA event, featuring 16 teams from diverse regions, including formidable contenders such as Spain and the USA. Matches are being conducted in the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium and Estadio Cibao FC.
A pivotal innovation at this year’s tournament is the implementation of Football Video Support (FVS), a sophisticated system designed to assist referees with real-time decision-making via video replays. Functioning similarly to the well-established Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology employed in senior competitions, FVS enables officials to meticulously review critical decisions—such as goals, penalties, and potential cases of mistaken identity—ensuring accuracy and fairness throughout the tournament.
As the Kenyan team gears up for their decisive encounter against Mexico, they aspire to achieve a commendable finish, demonstrating the potential and prowess of women’s football in Kenya. Supporters and fans alike are eager to witness a spirited performance that could lead to a memorable conclusion to their World Cup journey.
