Kenya’s Junior Starlets began their 2026 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign on a disappointing note after suffering a 3-0 defeat to China in their opening Group match.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsMildred Cheche’s charges entered the contest hoping to make a positive start and improve on their maiden appearance at the 2024 edition in the Dominican Republic, where they exited at the group stage despite recording a historic 2-1 victory over Mexico in their final match.China, who reached the knockout stage in the previous edition, proved too strong for the Kenyan side, scoring once in the first half before adding two quick goals after the restart to secure all three points.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036257##The Asian side took the lead through Xu Yue, who finished off a well-delivered ball from Zhenzhu Fang to put China ahead after just 12 minutes. Kenya responded positively and came close to equalising through Brenda Achieng, who was picked out by Gaudencia Maloba but saw her effort roll narrowly wide of the near post.Lindey Atieno threatened moments later after Joan Agola picked her out with a well-weighted pass, but the forward sent her attempt over the crossbar.Harambee Stars legend's son explains why he chose rugby over footballChina nearly doubled their advantage five minutes later when Yuke Liu’s delivery found Jiayi Zhao inside the box. However, goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo produced a crucial save to keep the deficit at one.The Junior Starlets continued to search for an equaliser, with Brenda Awuor narrowly missing the target after a promising attacking move involving Maloba and Achieng.Okoyo was again called into action late in the half, denying Yue Xu after China capitalised on a poorly cleared ball as the sides went into the break with the Asian side holding a slender lead.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036299##China returned from the interval with renewed purpose and doubled their advantage through Xiaotang Xu four minutes into the second half.The forward struck again three minutes later, completing her brace with a volley past Okoyo to put China firmly in control at 3-0.Kenya sought a response, with Achieng coming close to pulling one back after connecting with a pass from substitute Pauline Namisi. China goalkeeper Ziqi Niu parried her initial effort, but Achieng could not convert the rebound.Shabana FC fall short of Ksh 1 million ticket revenue in first home match of 2026-27 seasonNamisi later fired over the bar after pouncing on a loose ball, while Elizabeth Alizeba narrowly missed the target with a long-range effort following a pass from Peninah Fostine.China threatened to add a fourth through captain Siqing Zhao, but Kenya captain Bervalyne Awuor intervened to clear the danger.Despite Kenya’s late attempts to reduce the deficit, China maintained their advantage to claim a convincing victory and leave the Junior Starlets with work to do in their remaining group fixtures.##NAJAVA_MECA_10036268##The result leaves Kenya needing positive results in their final two matches to keep their hopes of reaching the round of 16 alive.