NAIROBI, Kenya, June 18 – In a major tournament twist at the ongoing CECAFA U17 Women’s Championship, the Junior Starlets jaw-dropping 16-0 opening-day destruction of Sudan was on Thursday overturned by tournament organizers.
According to an update, the initial scoreline has been wiped out and replaced with a standard 3-0 walkover win.
The decision follows the match’s premature abandonment when a severely depleted Sudan side fell below the mandatory minimum of seven active players on the pitch due to a wave of injuries.
While Kenya retains the three vital points from the fixture, the dramatic reduction in goal differential has had an immediate and severe impact on the Group A standings.
Losing 13 goals from their tournament tally has officially dropped Mildred Cheche’s side down to second place in Group A, giving the hosting nation, Tanzania, the top spot on goal difference following their recent 1-1 gridlock.
The sudden table restructuring has set the stage for an absolute blockbuster in the knockout phases.
By finishing second in their pool, the Junior Starlets have locked in a high-stakes semi-final showdown against perennial rivals Uganda.
This setup adds a fascinating layer of drama to the regional tournament.
The Starlets and Uganda are already deeply familiar with one another, having fiercely battled it out in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers just last month.
Coach Cheche will now have to rally her squad quickly, put the administrative scoreline adjustment behind them, and focus entirely on tactical execution as they prepare to fight for a spot in the regional grand finale.
