By David Ndolo
Kenya’s national women’s Under-20 football team, the Rising Starlets, will be out to defend their slim advantage when they face hosts Tanzania in the return leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier this Saturday at the Azam Complex Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
The Starlets head into the decisive encounter holding a 1–0 aggregate lead from the first leg and are determined to secure progression to the next round despite the challenge of playing away from home.
Head coach Jackline Juma expressed confidence in her squad’s readiness, insisting the team is fully focused on protecting their advantage while remaining positive in attack.
“We have something to protect, and we are going to protect it with every ounce of strength we have,” Juma said. “The girls understand the task ahead, and they are hungry for victory.”
Juma noted that the technical bench has addressed shortcomings from the first leg and expects a sharper performance in Tanzania.
“We will correct the mistakes we made, tighten up our defence, and remain aggressive going forward,” she added.
The coach acknowledged the threat posed by the hosts, who will enjoy strong home support, but believes her side has the quality and mental strength to rise to the occasion.
“Playing away is never easy, especially against a passionate team like Tanzania, but if we get our chances, we will take them. Away goals count a lot,” Juma said. “We thank God we have something to protect, and we are going to fight for it.”
The stakes are high, with the aggregate winner advancing to the fourth and final qualifying round, where a showdown against Cameroon or Botswana awaits in May.
With momentum on their side and qualification within reach, the Rising Starlets are eager to deliver a disciplined and determined performance as they seek to keep Kenya’s World Cup dream alive.
