Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Eliminated from the 2024 Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic, Kenya’s “Junior Starlets” have vowed to exact revenge on Mexico in their final Group ‘C’ clash on Thursday morning in Santo Domingo.

Mildred Cheche's side went down 3-0 against double champions North Korea in Santiago on Sunday, with So Ryu-Gyong scoring a brace in the eighth and 11th minutes as Ri Kuk-Hyang added the third goal in the 86th minute to seal Starlets second loss in the global showpiece. Starlets went down 2-0 to England on Friday.

Coach Cheche and her girls have pledged to end the tournament with atleast a victory or a point and now their main focus is on Mexico who also are pointless in the group.

Kenya's Junior Starlets at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. PHOTO _ FIFA

"The battle with North Korea was not easy with us, but I think we did our best considering the level of the opponents as they are two time champions.

"But we (technical) bench will lift the spirits of the girls before the Mexico fixture, we will take this game one step at a time, the way we have always handled the rest," Cheche underlined.

"We will keep pushing, we will keep encouraging the girls to do better in all the matches as football is big and we are on this bigger platform to put our best foot forward and showcase our talents.

"To our fans, keep supporting us, the matches are not easy over here, but the girls are trying their best," underlined Cheche.

Standings at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the Dominican Republic. PHOTO _ FIFA

North Korea tops Group ‘C’ on six points, followed by England who also have similar marks.

While Kenya is the first East African nation, and the ninth African country to take part in the tournament,  Mexico are making a seventh straight appearance since their debut in the World Cup in 2010.

Mexico's best ever performance was a runners up place against Spain in 2018, becoming  the second Concacaf nation to reach the final after USA in 2008.

The Mexicans booked their berth at this year's  tournament by reaching the final of 

this year’s Concacaf Women’s Under-17 Championship on home turf, with the hosts advancing to the 

showpiece at the expense of Canada after Vanessa Aguilar’s strike sealed a 2-1 extra-time victory.

Meanwhile, for some, Wednesday, October 23, will be their final outing at the Fifa Under-17 Women's World Cup Dominican Republic.

Groups ‘A’ and ‘B’ have already produced scintillating games, but with progression to the knockouts on the line there could still be some twists and turns to come on Matchday 5. Ecuador and USA are in the driving seat to follow Nigeria and Spain into the quarter-finals, while hosts Dominican Republic, New Zealand, Colombia and Korea Republic are all yet to register a win, knowing only victory gives them a chance of preventing elimination.

There will be no matches on Tuesday with battle for the final group stages set to revv-off on Wednesday and Thursday.

Wednesday’s key matches:

Group A:

Nigeria vs Dominican Republic:

Without doubt the moment of Saturday's Matchday 3 was Yuleinis Brito netting the Dominican Republic's first ever goal at a Fifa Women's World Cup of any age level, sending the CFC Stadium into raptures during the game against New Zealand.

The goal secured a point for the hosts, who could still progress with a win depending on the score and the other Group A result.

The task won't be easy, as they face their toughest group game yet against a free-scoring, already qualified Nigeria fresh off the back of eight goals and a maximum six points from their first two games.

Ecuador vs New Zealand:

Despite succumbing to a 4-0 defeat against Nigeria, Ecuador still have qualification in their own hands thanks to their opening day victory over the tournament hosts.

A draw could be enough to send the South Americans through, while a win would guarantee a place in the next round. New Zealand's draw with Dominican Republic was only their second stalemate in 23 U-17 Women's World Cup group games and leaves them needing a win in this fixture to stand a chance of progressing.

GROUP B:

Colombia vs Spain:

Spain's 5-0 trouncing of Korea Republic put them through to the quarter-finals at a canter and, having been 4-0 up before Alba Cerrato - one of their biggest stars - even entered the pitch, the forward's late red card and suspension is unlikely to cause the table toppers a selection headache.

So far the young Colombians have been industrious, drawing with Korea Republic and limiting an exciting USA display to goals from a wicked Micayla Johnson strike and the penalty spot.

Relying on a favourable result in Santiago de los Caballeros, only a win is good enough to give them a chance of progression.

USA vs Korea Republic:

A relentless rhythm of attacking football against Colombia ensured USA put themselves in a strong position to follow Spain into the knockout stage. Back in their adventurous flow following a difficult opener against Spain, a win would guarantee a ticket to the quarter-finals for the Americans, while a draw could still see them through. Korea Republic's single point and heavy goal difference deficit has left them needing all three points and relying on some good fortune in the other Group B game to progress.

 Weekend results:

Japan 2 Brazil 1;

North Korea 3 Kenya 0;

England 4 Mexico 2;

Zambia 0 Poland 2;

(Reporting by Sports Journalists’ Association of Kenya & Fifa)