Junior Starlets humiliate Sudan 16 to nill in ruthless CECAFA under 17 goal fest

The Kenya U-17 women’s national football team, Junior Starlets, delivered a historic statement of intent at the CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship after thrashing Sudan 16-0 in a Group A match that was abandoned before full time due to injuries suffered by the Sudanese side.

The one-sided contest, played at KMC Stadium in Tanzania on Saturday, ended prematurely when Sudan were reduced to just six players after a series of injuries. Under FIFA and IFAB regulations, a match cannot continue if a team has fewer than seven players on the field, forcing officials to call off the game.

Despite the early stoppage, the result stands, handing Kenya a record-breaking victory and a significant boost to their goal difference. The scoreline surpassed the previous CECAFA U-17 Women’s Championship record of 14-0, which Kenya set against Djibouti in 2019.

FT

A winning start for the #JuniorStarlets as they open their #U17CECAFAWC campaign with all three points#JuniorStarlets #U17CECAFAWC pic.twitter.com/6RZp5DI4Bn

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) June 13, 2026

Brenda Achieng was the star of the show, producing a remarkable seven-goal haul to spearhead the Junior Starlets’ ruthless attacking display. Flavien Khatenje also got on the scoresheet, while Lindey Weey Atieno and Elizabeth Opiyo each netted twice. Tabitha Wambui, Beverline Atieno and Mwanakombo Bakari added a goal apiece, with Sudan contributing an own goal.

Head coach Mildred Cheche had earlier emphasized the importance of the regional tournament in sharpening her squad ahead of a crucial two-legged qualifier against South Africa in July.

The emphatic win underlined Kenya’s status as one of the tournament favourites and provided the perfect start to a campaign that forms part of the team’s preparations for the final round of the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

“This tournament will be very important for us as we prepare for South Africa. The matches will help us improve match fitness and assess different players in various situations. It will also give more players an opportunity to get valuable game time,” said Cheche.

Kenya will now turn their attention to upcoming Group A fixtures against Somalia and hosts Tanzania, with confidence soaring after a dominant performance that left fans stunned by the rugby-like scoreline and showcased the Junior Starlets’ attacking prowess.