The Rising Starlets have advanced to the third round of the 2026 Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after defeating Ethiopia with a 5-1 aggregate score.

• Kenya secured their spot by drawing 1-1 away in Addis Ababa and winning 4-0 at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.
• Their next challenge will be against neighbours Tanzania in February 2026, who also had an impressive 7-0 aggregate win against Angola.
• Key players in the Rising Starlets' success included Elizabeth Mideva, a striker from Archbishop Njenga Girls High School, and Valarie Nekesa of Madira Girls, with captain Fasila Adhiambo playing for Simba Queens in Tanzania.