Cameroon U17 young star Karen Dule debunks the claim that Kenya’s Junior Starlets are the toughest opposition her team has encountered since inception.
Despite Kenya’s outstanding performance in the second half, Dule was positive that they were not the most formidable opponents Cameroon has encountered.
However, Cameroon used their superior game management and experience to run down the clock and secure a 1-0 win in the first leg of the third round of FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.
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“I wouldn’t say Kenya is the most difficult team we’ve ever faced in our careers, but I also wouldn’t say they’re an easy team,” Dule remarked. “We’ve played more difficult teams during our match preparations, so I can’t entirely agree with that opinion.”
The visitors grabbed the winning and only goal of the match in the 27th minute when Tiwa Melong capitalized on a poorly cleared corner by the Kenyan defense.
But from then on, the host team dominated more, especially in the second half, where they struck the crossbar twice and forced the Cameroonian goalkeeper Jessica Mabou into a series of outstanding saves.
Meanwhile, Cameroon head coach Joseph Ndoko admitted that Kenya were unlucky not to get the result and credited the team and its supporters for putting up a strong fight in front of a passionate home crowd.
“I am in awe of the incredible turnout from Kenyan supporters,” Ndoko said. “I have never seen such massive support for the youth categories. It was a tough game, clearly, and the difference came down to the finer details. As much as Cameroon won, Kenya could just as easily have taken the game.”
Ndoko acknowledged his side struggled mostly in the second half, pointing to physical challenges and tactical lapses that Kenya nearly exploited.
“To be honest, Cameroon struggled a bit—perhaps due to certain overlooked details. However, physical contact was very much present in the game. Some fouls should have been addressed appropriately.”
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When asked about what tactical adjustments he plans to make for the return leg, the Cameroonian tactician remained tight-lipped.
“Looking ahead, I can’t say for sure what changes will be made in the second leg. A lot of factors will come into play, and when the time comes, we will all see what tactical decisions are taken.”
The two sides will meet again on Friday in Yaoundé for the decisive second leg. The aggregate winner will secure one of Africa’s four coveted slots at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup set to take place in Morocco this October.
