A late goal scored by Elizabeth Mideva was enough for Kenya women’s U20 side, Rising Starlets to pip Tanzania 1-0 in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Saturday, February 7th, 2026.
emerged as the hero for Kenya’s Rising Starlets after scoring a decisive late goal to hand the hosts a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania in the first leg of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The Arch Bishop Njenga Girls student scored in the 85th minute to give Kenya an advantage ahead of the second leg to be played away in Tanzania next week.
The goal was scored after the second half substitute Emily Moranga wo hadcome in for Lorna Faith in the 74th minute held up play brilliantly in the danger area before laying the ball off to Mideva, who calmly fired past Nusra Hamisi to send the home crowd into celebration.
The visitors nearly took the lead in stoppage time of the first half when Winfrida Gerald found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out for a foul on Lorine Ilavonga.
Tanzania pushed for an equalizer late on, with Hasnath Linus missing a gilt-edged chance and Hamisi later producing a superb save to deny Nekesa in added time.
The Rising Starlets will now turn their focus to the second leg, scheduled for February 15 at the Azam Complex in Tanzania, where a place in the next round will be at stake.
Lineups;
Kenya Starting X1: Christine Adhiambo, Pearl Olesi, Elizabeth Mideva, Valarie Nekesa, Diana Ochol, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorna Faith, Sharon Vidah, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo ©, Sheryl Triza.
Tanzania Starting XI: Nusra Hamisi, Hasnath Ubamba, Mary Arone, Yasinta Joseph, Asha Omary, Alia Fikiri, Lidya Maxmillan, Diana William, Esther Maseke, Jamila Rajabu, Winifrida Castor
