Cameroon dent Kenya Under 17 World Cup hopes with win at Nyayo

Fraiche Tiwa Melong was the hero as her headed goal earned Cameroon Women's Under 17 side a 1-0 win over her Kenyan counterparts at the Nyayo National Stadium in a World Cup Qualifier.

The Cameroonian took advantage of lax defending to slot home on 25 minutes and despite a spirited effort from the home side, they just couldn't find a way past what looked to be their more physically endowed rivals.

Head coach Mildred Cheche looked a desolate figure on the sidelines as the Cameroonians showed mettle and could have had two more goals were it not for great goalkeeping from Velma Abwire in the Kenyan goal.

Brenda Achieng had Junior Starlets' best opportunity of the first half, but her effort on goal deflected off the crossbar.

Mwanakombo Bakari hit the woodwork from distance midway through the second half and Patience Asiko had her effort saved off the line as a frustrating afternoon ended with no goals for the home side.

The return leg will be played in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 25 April, where the Kenyans will have to win away from home if they are to have any chance of making it to the World Cup to be held in Morocco.

The Women's Under-17 World Cup will take place in Morocco from October 17 to November 8.

Kenya will be looking to make a second consecutive appearance at the tournament after also featuring in 2024 in the Dominican Republic.