Rising Starlets squad to Angola revealed for crucial FIFA Women's U20 World Cup qualifier

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FOOTBALL Rising Starlets squad to Angola revealed for crucial FIFA Women's U20 World Cup qualifier

Festus Chuma 10:03 - 12.10.2023

Before departing for Luanda, a proud yet cautious head coach Beldine Odemba emphasised the team's need for focus despite their earlier triumph.

The Kenyan skies witnessed an ambitious departure in the early hours of Thursday as the nation's pride, the Rising Starlets of the U-20 women's football team, embarked on their journey to Angola.

Beldine Odemba's charges have their eyes set on the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifier, a pivotal face-off that could enhance their chances of securing their place in history.

The Starlets, high on morale after a resounding 6-1 victory over Angola in the first leg at their home turf. The team is expected to touch down in the Angolan capital, Luanda, later today, eagerly awaiting the challenge the hosts pose.

In the first-leg encounter, the Rising Starlets delivered an electrifying performance where star striker, Valerie Nekesa, emerged as the talk of town with a splendid hattrick, displaying a football finesse that few could match. 

She was aptly supported by Charity Midewo, who chipped in with two goals, ensuring that Beldine Odemba's team held the upper hand.

Speaking before the team's departure to Luanda, a visibly proud yet cautious coach Odemba stated: "The match is not decided just by our significant lead in the first leg; we need to approach the second round with the same vigor.

"Even though we're ahead by six goals, we cannot be complacent. Our team understands that there's no such thing as a safe lead; the game can always change. We're mentally geared up, treating this as a fresh contest where victory is imperative."

Starlets have gone into the qualifier with the same squad and the good news is that the team remains injury-free, ensuring that the same warriors who triumphed in the first leg are ready for battle again.

The victor will then challenge the winner of the Cameroon-Botswana clash in a gripping third round. As of now, Cameroon seems to be holding their ground with a 2-0 lead over Botswana, but in football, as we have seen, nothing's predictable.

Travelling squad:

Goalkeepers :Scovia Awuor, Abskonoita Khalitsa

Defenders: Mollyne Akinyi, Velma Kaveza, Purity Awino, Kikky Masika, Rachel Adhiambo

Midfielders: Jane Hato, Susan Akoth, Jerrine Adhiambo, Faith Atieno, Elizabeth Muteshi, Rebecca Kwoba, Charity Midewa

Forwards: Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Leah Nekesa, Faith Naliaka, Emily Okute, Anne Nabwire, Elizabeth Mideva,Marion Serenge

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