The Rising Starlets leave the Dominican Republic with their heads high after finishing third in their group C with three points.
Harambee Starlets U-17 forward Lorna Faith Wasike was all smiles and filled with gratitude after winning the Player of the Match as The Junior Starlets edged out Mexico 2 – 1 in their final group stage match at the World Cup. This victory marked a historic moment, making the first Kenyan team to secure a win at the FIFA World Cup competitions.
Lorna, who scored Kenya’s second goal in the 35th minute, expressed her gratitude after the match: “Tunashukuru Mungu kwa hii umbali ametutoa, game ya leo tumewin tunashukuru God. Si kwa wema wetu bali ni kwa Fadhili zake. Tumekua psyched up leo , hata kama tumepigwa izo game mbili, hatutaangalia chini but give our best to make our country proud.”
("We thank God for how far He has brought us. We won today's game, and we are grateful to God. Not because of our goodness, but because of His mercy. We've been really psyched up today. Even though we lost those two games, we won't look down, but will give our best to make our country proud.")
When asked about their experience at the competition, Lornah lauded how quite an experience it’s been for them and how it will motivate them in future. “Tumekua na experience fiti as a team, exposure na tumeshowcase our talent. The award itakua inaniencourage, hapo kwa nyumba nikiangalia, motivation, sitawailose hope na nitaendelea kugive my best.”
("We've had an amazing experience as a team, gained exposure and showcased our talent. The player of thematch award will be my encouragement; when I look at it at home, it will be my motivation. I will never lose hope and will continue to give my best.")
The Butere Girls student also expressed her gratitude to the Kenyan fans for their unwavering support throughout the competition. “Nashukuru wakenya wote kwa support yao, kwa kusimama na sisi kwa game zetu zote.”
(I thank all Kenyans for the support and standing with us all throughout the tournament.)
The Rising Starlets leave the Dominican Republic with their heads high after finishing third in their group C with three points. The Mildred Cheche side lost to England 2 – 0 in their first match before falling 3 – 0 to eventual group leaders North Korea in the second match. They finally got a goal and win in their last match after Valarie Nekesa and Lorna Faith netted in the first half to help them win 2 – 1 against Mexico.