Kenya women’s national under-17 football team will take on Uganda women’s national under-17 football team in Kampala on Friday as they seek a crucial first-leg advantage in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

The highly anticipated second-round clash will be played at Hamz Stadium, with both East African rivals eyeing progression to the final qualification round.

Kenya booked their place in the second round after a commanding 7-1 aggregate victory over Namibia, while Uganda advanced with an equally impressive 6-1 aggregate win against Zimbabwe.

Speaking after the team’s arrival in Uganda, Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche expressed confidence in her squad’s preparation ahead of the encounter.

“We have prepared well and are ready for the challenge in Kampala. We want to finish the job in the first leg and make things easier for ourselves ahead of the return match in Nairobi,” she said.

However, Kenya will be without two key players due to injury. Defender Rose Nangila has been ruled out after undergoing surgery following an injury picked up in a friendly match, while midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno is recovering from a waist injury.

Atieno scored in Kenya’s 2-1 victory over Namibia but is expected to remain sidelined for at least two weeks.

“It is a big blow to miss two important players, but we have enough depth to cover their absence,” Cheche added.

On the Ugandan side, head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes urged her players to maximise their chances at home.

“We must make the most of every scoring opportunity that comes our way, and the players need to be ruthless in front of goal,” she said.

The aggregate winner will advance to the final qualifying round to face either Tanzania women’s national under-17 football team or South Africa women’s national under-17 football team.