Rising Starlets ooze confidence ahead of Uganda clash

Kenya’s Rising Starlets will take on Uganda’s young Crested Cranes on Sunday as the journey for the 2022 Under-20 FIFA Women’s World Cup continues this weekend.

The two East African neighbours will face off in the first leg at the Nyayo National Stadium with the return round set for October 8 in Kampala.

Both Kenya and Uganda were handed byes for the first round and will start their campaign in round two.

Kenya reported for residential training last Sunday and head coach Charles Okere says he is confident the team has what it takes to go past the second round and keep their qualification dream alive.

“This is an opportunity for us to try and continue developing women football in Kenya. Our dream is to qualify for the World Cup and I believe if we get things right we can achieve that dream. We want to take a match at a time and see how things go,” Okere said.

He added; “These are the same girls who in future we hope will make up the senior national team so its very crucial for us to give them a very solid foundation and the experience of battling for the World Cup qualification will be key in shaping them.”

The winner of the tie on aggregate will face the winner of the second-round tie pitting Mozambique against South Africa.

Kenya Squad in camp

Goalkeepers

Ursula Nasimiyu (Dagoretti Mix), Valentine Khwaka (Zetech Sparks), Lucy Kisaga (Gitothua Starlets), Edith Auma (Kibera Queens), Sophy Akinyi (Manyatta Ladies).

Defenders

Veronica Awino (Gaspo Women), Peris Oside (Nakuru Queens), Mercy Masika (Dagoretti Mix), Joyce Andeo (Beijing FC), Eunice Mwangi (Mpesa Foundation), Invioleta Mukoshi (St John’s Kaloleni), Lucy Kahuga (Madira Girls), Martha Simiyu (Falling Waters), Redempta Mercy (Madira Girls)

Midfielders

Medina Abubakar (Uweza Soccer), Drailer Salome (Tigers FC), Lydia Akoth (Zetech Sparks), Maximilla Robi (Beijing FC), Milka Awino (Zetech Sparks), Catherine Aringo (Fortune Ladies), Jane Hato (Madira Girls), Lavender Akinyi (Wiyeta Girls), Mildred Kanyisi (Dagoretti Mix).

Forwards

Fasila Adhiambo (Dagoretti Mix), Elizabeth Muteshi (Nangili Girls), Sylvia Makungu (Acakoro), Shirlyne Opisa (Wiyeta Girls), Charity Midewa (Madira Girls), Joy Kinglady (Zetech Sparks), Catherine Kizito (Kolwa Falcons)