Baby Gladiators left chasing after early setback against Kenya
Namibia’s Baby Gladiators were left to rue a slow start after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Kenya’s Junior Starlets in the first leg of their 2026 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifier at the UNAM Stadium in Windhoek this afternoon.
A nightmare opening spell saw Namibia concede twice inside the first five minutes, leaving them chasing the game against a well-organised Kenyan side that controlled large spells of the encounter.
Midfield star Lindey Weey Atieno stunned the home crowd just two minutes in with a superb long-range strike that flew past goalkeeper Sylvia Tunga to hand Kenya the lead. Moments later, Faith Boke doubled the advantage after finishing off a swift attacking move, putting the Baby Gladiators firmly on the back foot.
Despite the early setback, Namibia gradually settled into the contest, growing in confidence as the first half progressed. However, they struggled to break through a disciplined Kenyan defence that managed the game effectively and limited clear scoring opportunities.
Kenya dictated the tempo for much of the opening half, dominating possession and showing greater sharpness in the final third. Namibia, meanwhile, were forced into a more reactive approach as they attempted to reorganise after the early double blow.
After the break, the Baby Gladiators returned with renewed energy and pushed higher up the pitch in search of a route back into the match. Their persistence eventually paid off late in the game when substitute Khloe Awases pulled one back to reduce the deficit and ignite hopes of a comeback.
The goal set up a tense final phase, with Namibia applying pressure in the closing minutes, but Kenya held firm to secure a narrow 2-1 advantage heading into the second leg.
Despite the defeat, Namibia can take encouragement from their second-half response and the resilience shown after a difficult start. Head coach Nicolas Jacobs admitted the early goals proved costly but insisted his side remain firmly in the tie.
Attention now shifts to the return leg scheduled for April 18, 2026, at the Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi, where the Baby Gladiators will aim to overturn the deficit and keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive.
With everything still to play for, Namibia will need a stronger start and greater composure in the decisive second leg if they are to upset the odds and progress to the next round.
