The Kenya women’s national under-20 football team, popularly known as the Rising Starlets, are gearing up for the decisive return leg of their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Tanzania women’s national under-20 football team at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
Head coach Jackline Akoth Juma has expressed confidence in her squad as they look to protect their 1-0 advantage from the first leg.
“We are ready. The players are ready, and they know we have something to defend,” Juma said. “Tanzania is a good side with quality, and so are we. We are not taking anything for granted. We’ve analysed the first leg and corrected our mistakes.”
Focus on Finishing and Defensive Discipline
Juma revealed that the team has been sharpening key areas identified from the Nairobi encounter — particularly improving conversion in front of goal and tightening defensive organisation.
“In Nairobi, we created chances but didn’t utilize them. We’ve worked with our strikers to ensure we score whenever opportunities arise,” she noted.
The technical bench has also focused on defending long balls and improving anticipation against Tanzania’s attacking transitions — areas expected to be tested in Dar es Salaam.
Prepared for a Fierce Battle
Playing away presents a different challenge, with Tanzania expected to push aggressively in front of their home crowd.
“They have home advantage, and they will come hard looking for an equaliser. But we are ready. We will defend and attack — we’ll play our hearts out,” Juma added.
Team captain Fasila Adhiambo echoed the coach’s sentiments, expressing confidence in the team’s preparations.
“The coach identified the mistakes from the first leg and addressed them. We arrived early to acclimatise, and we’re used to the hot and humid conditions.”
Adhiambo expects an intense contest, with both teams hungry for goals.
“We want goals, and they want goals. We are prepared to defend and attack. Fingers crossed.”
The Rising Starlets secured a narrow but vital 1-0 victory in the first leg at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. A positive result in Dar es Salaam would move them a significant step closer to qualification for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
