Alumira backs Rising Starlets to seal World Cup qualification

Former Harambee Starlets tactician Alex Alumira has backed Rising Starlets to qualify for the 2027 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup despite the threat posed by Tanzania. 

Jackline Juma’s coached side thrashed neighbors Tanzania 1-0 on Saturday, February 7, 2026, thanks to Elizabeth Mideva’s 84th-minute strike at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, which gave Kenya an advantage heading into the second leg, scheduled for Saturday, February 14, at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Alumirah, who is also the Kenya Football Federation (FKF) Head of Football Education and School Football Programs, said the first-leg win brought confidence to the girls ahead of the second leg.

“I’m confident that they will beat Tanzania in their backyard and qualify for the final round. I watched the first leg match, and I was really impressed by the mental strength coach Juma instilled in the girls.

Most of the players graduated from the U17 side, which took part in the 2024 World Cup in the Dominican Republic, and that speaks volumes on the chemistry of coach Juma and Mildred Cheche.”

“According to my vast experience in women’s football, this is a big stage, and having the advantage of the first leg, the ladies need to focus and have mental strength.

"Tanzania will have the advantage of playing at home, and as I know them, they will play attacking football, so our defense needs to be stiff."

"I can’t go deep on the tactical approach because the coach is the one who knows the players better according to the training they have done.

“I saw some section of fans calling on the coach to bring in Emily Moranga early, but she is the one who understands well her fitness.

“Let’s give coach Juma space to lead the team and I’m sure we swill beat Tanzania and go on to qualify for the World Cup.”

The Starlets arrived in Dar es Salaam on Monday, February 10, and are preparing for the mouthwatering clash.

A win over Tanzania would set Kenya up for a tougher next assignment against either Botswana or continental heavyweights Cameroon, with the winners earning a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Poland from September 5 to 27, 2027.