Kenya U17 head coach Mildred Cheche has admitted that Japan will pose a stern test as they prepare for their historic Round of 16 clash at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsJunior Starlets will face the Asian side on Thursday, 29 October, at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.##NAJAVA_MECA_10062781##Cheche acknowledged the challenge posed by Japan but insisted that her team would prepare thoroughly and give their best as they seek to extend their second World Cup campaign.“Going to the Round of 16, we are playing Japan. It is not an easy side to defeat, but we will prepare well, do our best, and then we will see what happens,” Cheche said.The coach spoke after the Junior Starlets secured their first-ever qualification for the knockout stage with a commanding 4-0 win over Samoa in their final Group E match on Sunday, 25 October.Kenya Police set to hand coaching job to Frenchman after Muyoti’s dramatic exitKenya went into the encounter knowing they needed a four-goal victory to strengthen their chances of progressing as one of the best third-placed teams. They delivered, scoring twice in each half to claim the final qualification slot.Mwanakombo Bakari opened the scoring in the fifth minute before Brenda Awuor doubled the advantage shortly before half-time. Gaudancia Maloba added a third in the 61st minute, with Bakari completing her brace two minutes later. The forward was subsequently named Player of the Match.Despite celebrating the historic achievement, Cheche acknowledged that the team still had work to do as they prepare for the knockout stage.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: Inside the profile and qualities of APS Bomet’s new gunman“I think the girls did well. Qualifying for the knockout stage for the first time is history, and now we have a lot to do. But at this moment, we enjoy the moment for qualifying for the next round,” she added.Cheche also admitted that Kenya could have been more clinical in front of goal against Samoa, although the four goals ultimately proved sufficient to secure progression.“We were looking to score a lot of goals early, and we got chances to score, but we were lucky in some instances. We were also not sharp in front of goal, but I am glad that the four goals enabled us to go through,” she said.Concerned Kisumu All Stars official outlines serious implications of delayed NSL kick-offJapan, however, will present a significantly tougher challenge for the Junior Starlets, given their pedigree in youth women's football.The Little Nadeshiko won the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in 2014 and finished runners-up in 2010 and 2016. They have also won the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup four times, underlining their status as one of the leading sides in the age category.Kenya qualified for the tournament for the first time in 2024, when they exited at the group stage in the Dominican Republic after recording two defeats and a win.The Round of 16 clash against Japan is scheduled for Thursday at Pitch 3 of the Mohammed VI Football Complex, with kick-off set for 9 pm East African Time.Mwanakombo fires warning to Japan as Junior Starlets chase historic quarter-final spot