Starlets hattrick hero Atieno leads Mozambique rout

Striker Neddy Atieno made an emphatic return to the national team as she led a 5- demolition of Mozambique at the COSAFA Women’s Championship at the Luveve Stadium in Bulawayo.

The Kenyan international notched a hattrick as Kenya got off the mark in brilliant fashion in Zimbabwe on Thursday, going top of Group B alongside Swaziland who won their opening clash 3-0 against Mauritius.

Mozambique opened the scoring inside the first ten minutes thanks to a strike from Lucia but Atieno drew Kenya level in the 23rd after a slaloming run past the opposition defence.

Mozambique spurned a series of chances before Atieno struck again to put Coach Richard Kanyi’s charges on the control seat.

Mozambique stepped up their attack after going down and had a goal cleared off the lines by Jennifer Adhiambo.

Kenya’s third goal came through Mwanalima Adam in the 85th minute before Neddy completed her hattrick moments later. The Kenyans were not yet done as Phoebe Owiti got herself on the scoresheet at the death to seal the rout.

Kenya Starting XI:

Jenipher Adhiambo(Mathare United) GK, Mwanahalima Adam (Mombasa Olympic), Juliet Auma, Irene Dorcas Shikobe (Oserian), Okoth Neddy Atieno (KDF), Omondi Carolyne Anyango (Spedag), Pauline Musungu, Lucy Mukwana, Ann Wendy Asol, Mercy Achieng(Thika Queens),  Doris Anyango Ogiro

Substitutes:

Monica Karambu, Poline Atieno, Esther Nandika (Soccer Queens), Lilian Adera (Vihiga Queens, Salano Cheris Avilia (Spedag), Janet Moraa Bundi (Nyamira Starlets), Phoebe Owiti, Florence Awino (Gaspo)