Junior Starlets target first leg advantage against Uganda

Kenya will face Uganda’s Teen Cranes on Friday, 22 May, at the Hamz Stadium, Nakivubo in Kampala.

The Junior Starlets booked their place in the second round after thrashing Namibia 7-1 on aggregate in the opening round. Uganda progressed after beating Zimbabwe 6-1 on aggregate, including a 4-1 second-leg victory in Kampala following a 2-0 win away in Harare.

“We have prepared well and are ready for the challenge in Kampala. We want to finish the job in the first leg and make things easier for ourselves ahead of the return match in Nairobi,” said Cheche after the team arrived in Uganda.

However, Cheche will be without defender Rose Nangila and midfielder Lindey Weey Atieno, who are both sidelined through injury.

Nangila underwent surgery after sustaining an injury during a friendly match, while Madira Soccer Assassins midfielder Atieno is nursing a waist injury. Atieno scored the opening goal in Kenya’s previous 2-1 win over Namibia and is expected to be out for at least two weeks.

“It is a big blow to miss two important players, but we have enough depth to cover their absence. Playing Uganda away will not be easy, but we will fight hard for victory,” added Cheche.

Uganda head coach Sheryl Ulanda Botes, meanwhile, stressed the need for her side to build a strong advantage at home before the return leg.

“We must make the most of every scoring opportunity that comes our way, and the players need to be ruthless in front of goal,” said Botes.

The winner on aggregate will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final qualifying round.

The two East African rivals met last year, with Kenya winning 5-0 on aggregate to advance to the final round, where they were eliminated by Cameroon.

The qualification campaign features three rounds of home-and-away fixtures. Thirty teams entered the first round, while Nigeria received a bye based on past performances.

The 15 first-round winners advanced to the second round to join Nigeria, creating a pool of 16 teams competing for eight places in the third round.