KAMPALA, May 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya head coach Mildred Cheche said her side is determined to secure victory against Uganda in the first leg of the second round of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.

Uganda's Teen Cranes will host Kenya's Junior Starlets on May 22 at the FUFA Kadiba Stadium in Kampala.

"We have prepared well and are ready to give a good account of ourselves on the field and win the match before the return leg in Nairobi," Cheche told Xinhua after the team's arrival in Uganda on Tuesday.

Kenya advanced to the second round after eliminating Namibia in the opening stage of qualification.

Cheche said that despite the absence of two injured players, her squad remains strong enough to produce a positive result away from home.

"We know facing Uganda at home will not be an easy task, but we know how to handle the game," she added.

Uganda will also enter the match with confidence after defeating Zimbabwe 6-1 on aggregate in the first round.

Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes stressed the importance of building a strong advantage at home ahead of the return leg.

"We need to make sure we utilize the scoring opportunities in front of goal," Botes said.

The winner between Uganda and Kenya will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final qualifying round.

Africa will have five representatives at the 2026 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, including host Morocco. ■