Kenya’s Junior Starlets suffered a disappointing start to their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup campaign in Morocco, falling to China in their Group E opener as their search for a maiden victory at the tournament continues.

The defeat leaves the Kenyan youngsters with little room for error as they prepare for two remaining group-stage fixtures, with their immediate focus shifting to Thursday’s encounter against the United States.

The Starlets will be keen to respond against the Americans and keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive before facing Samoa in their final group match on October 25.

Both remaining fixtures will be played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy, giving the Kenyan side a familiar venue as they seek to recover from their opening setback.

The tournament presents another opportunity for Kenya’s rising stars to measure themselves against some of the world’s best young players and build on their experience at the global stage.

However, the loss to China means the pressure is now on the team to deliver a positive result against the USA on Thursday before turning their attention to Samoa.

Coach Mildred Cheche led technical bench will need to address the shortcomings exposed in the opening match and ensure the players approach their remaining assignments with renewed determination.

With two games still to play, the Junior Starlets retain an opportunity to make their mark in Morocco, but their response on Thursday could prove crucial to their campaign.