Kenya’s Junior Starlets will kick off their second appearance at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup on Monday when they take on China PR in a Group E encounter at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, Morocco.Mildred Cheche’s charges will seek a winning start at 6 pm Kenyan time as they look to build on their maiden appearance in 2024 and make a strong statement against an opponent returning for its fifth appearance at the tournament.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsJunior Starlets made history in the Dominican Republic, two years ago, by becoming the first Kenyan national football team to feature at a FIFA World Cup. Although their campaign ended in the group stage, they left a lasting mark by recording a 2-1 victory over Mexico after opening with defeats against North Korea and England.That maiden experience gave Kenya a glimpse of the level required to compete against the world’s best young players. ##NAJAVA_MECA_10036278##Their return offers another chance to measure progress, with the team looking to turn the lessons learnt in 2024 into a more competitive campaign.China will provide their first test, with the United States and Samoa completing Group E. The team has spent several weeks preparing for the tournament, initially in Kenya before travelling to Morocco on 8 October. They set up camp in Casablanca before moving to Rabat last Friday to complete their preparations for the opening fixture.Gor Mahia coach explains young striker’s absence against APS BometTheir training camp included two friendly matches, beginning with a commanding 22-0 victory over local side Sporting Club Casablanca. They then faced Ghana’s U-17 team, who are also competing at the World Cup, losing 2-1 in their final warm-up match.The two fixtures offered Cheche and her technical bench an opportunity to assess the squad, test different approaches and give the players valuable match practice ahead of the tournament. Cheche named her final squad on Friday, with the absence of Faith Boke among the notable setbacks. The injured player will remain in Morocco to support her teammates from the stands, but Kenya must find a way to compensate for her absence as they prepare for the challenges ahead.Forward Brenda Achieng will be one of Kenya’s key attacking outlets, having demonstrated her eye for goal during the qualifiers and the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship, where she scored seven goals in a single match.In midfield, Lindey Wee Atieno, the only member of the squad who featured at the 2024 World Cup, will be expected to use her experience to dictate play and link the defence with the attack. At the back, goalkeeper Mishel Okoyo and captain Bevarline Awuor will be tasked with providing defensive stability as the Junior Starlets look to keep China at bay.China, meanwhile, arrive with previous experience of the competition. Having featured in the 2012, 2014, 2022 and 2025 editions, they will be making their fifth appearance. Charlton manager responds to Harambee Stars midfielder absence after international dutyTheir best performance came at the 2025 tournament, where they reached the Round of 16.Their coach, Ma Xiaoxu, has made it clear that her team will be targeting positive results while encouraging her players to express themselves on the international stage.“We certainly want to win because results are what count in competitive sports. But I also hope the players can show their abilities on the World Cup stage without fear or restraint.At this age, I hope they can show their true abilities from training, show creativity, make their own decisions on the field, and enjoy the games.The experience of competing is the most important thing for their development. Meanwhile, we will certainly give everything to fight for the best possible results,” he said.After facing China, Kenya will take on the United States on 22 October before concluding their group-stage campaign against Samoa on 25 October.Kenya’s final World Cup squadGoalkeepers: Mishel Okoyo (Wiyeta Girls), Martha Wekhomba (Nasokol Girls), Vallary Achieng (Nyakach Girls).Defenders: Namisi Pauline (Desert Scorpions), Grace Mumo (Madira Girls), Bevarline Awuor (Mathare Women), Ruth Mulongo (Wiyeta Girls), Daisy Adongo (Katonje Mix), Brenda Awuor (Madira Girls Primary School), Khatenje Fleviah (St. Joseph’s, Kitale).Midfielders: Bakari Mwanakombo (Spire Academy, USA), Beryl Okumu (Nyakach Girls), Noelina Akuku (Butere Girls), Lindey Weey Atieno (Raila School), Peninah Fostine (Nyakach Girls).Forwards: Brenda Achieng (Kakamega Hill), Elizabeth Alizeba (Oding’ Primary), Emily Adhiambo (Nyakach Girls), Wambui Tabitha (Mathare United Women), Joan Agola (Nyakach Girls), Gaudancia Maloba (LWAK Girls).Is this conversation helpful so far?