The Kenya women’s Under-20 football team, the Rising Starlets, are set for the return leg of the FIFA U20 World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania at Azam Sports Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam, on Saturday, February 14.
Rising Starlets Coach Jackline Akoth Juma expressed confidence that her team is ready to defend their 1-0 lead from the first leg.
“We are ready, the players are ready, they know that we have something to defend,” said Juma. She added that the team has focused on improving their finishing, defending long balls, and anticipating opposition attacks, noting that in the first leg in Nairobi they created chances but did not fully capitalize on them.
“Tanzania is a good side; they have quality, and we too. We are not taking anything for granted. We analyzed the first leg and corrected the mistakes,” she said, emphasizing that the match in Dar es Salaam is expected to be tough, with Tanzania pushing hard for an equalizer.
Team Captain Fasila Adhiambo echoed Juma’s sentiments, saying the players have addressed errors from the first leg.
“The coach has identified the mistakes and corrected them. We are used to the hot and humid weather, and we arrived early to acclimatize,” she said, adding that while they expect Tanzania to attack relentlessly, the Starlets are prepared to respond effectively.
By Anita Omwenga
