The Kenyan U-20 women’s soccer team on Saturday afternoon fell 2-1 to their hosts Zambia in an U-20 women’s world Cup qualifier played in Lusaka - Zambia. The Kenyan girls will now need a single goal home win in the return leg to qualify for the third round on away goal advantage.
Kenya started the match with a first half advantage following a 15th minute goal by top goal poacher Neddy Atieno who sneaked behind the sluggish defense to earn Kenya the crucial away goal.
After dominating the first half especially in the midfield, Kenya drew back in the second period and conceded two quick goals that sank their hopes of a critical point away.
Speaking from Lusaka Zambia after the match, team manager Rachael Kamweru praised the fighting spirit of the girls and said they have the character to qualify for the next round of the World Cup qualifiers.
“We are inching closer and the girls are confident of a home win against Zambia. The country here is celebrating their senior men's national team victory last week against Ivory Coast and the girls rallied on the same euphoria but our girls could let nothing of that sort distract them. They staged a brilliant performance though we failed to defend well in the last quarter of the second half.” She said.
One of the Kenyan girls Jacky Ogol had a nasty injury and was rushed to hospital but the team manager assured she was treated and is out of danger.
“She is doing fine and it is nothing to worry about.”
The team is expected back in Nairobi on Sunday and will head straight to camp to prepare for the return leg in two weeks time.
If Kenya qualifies, they will play the winner of the match between Tunisia and Morocco
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