Rising Starlets wallop Angola in  FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier

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FOOTBALL Rising Starlets wallop Angola in FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier

Festus Chuma 16:57 - 08.10.2023

Kenya's U-20 women's team, Rising Starlets, dominated Angola 6-1 in a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier with Valerie Nekesa shining.

Kenya women's U-20 national team Rising Starlets secured a 6-1 victory over Angola in a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier first-leg match held at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Starlets broke the deadlock in the fourth  minute, as Valerie Nekesa outran the Angola defense and placed the ball beyond the reach of Helena Kambinda between the posts.

Two minutes later, Nekesa added the second as she got on the end of a trademark  pass from Fasila Odhiambo.

Nekesa recorded her name on the score sheet for the third time when she scored from an unmarked position, extending their lead in the game. The Angolans, who had scored the lone goal in the 23rd minute courtesy of Ivone Julio, found themselves trailing.

In the 44th minute, Charity Midewa converted a free-kick to give Kenya a 4-1 lead against the Angolans, who had only created one clear-cut opportunity and successfully converted it in the first half.

Kenya came out a stronger side in the second half and had a couple efforts at goal, with Racheal Odhiambo going closest with a volley that sailed just wide.

Rising Starlets  took full advantage of the uncertainty in the Angola backline, capitalizing on an error from Avania. 

Charity Midewa ruthlessly punished the mistake as she headed in a delivery from Elizabeth Muteshi, making it 5-1 with three minutes remaining before the hour mark.

Scovia Awuor came to Kenya’s rescue in the 65th minute, the shot-stopper came rushing off her line to deny Ivone Candindo  from close range.

In the 77th minute, Rising Starlets' coach Beldine Odemba made a substitution, replacing Charity Midewa with another striker, Elizabeth Lwangu.

Faith Naliaka rounded off the scoring with  ten minutes remaining in the match as she turned home Fasilah Odhiambo’s cross with a powerful finish from the edge of the area.

The Rising Starlets are set to travel to Angola for the second leg on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, in preparation for the away match on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

The team that emerges victorious in this match, based on the aggregate score, will move on to face the winner of the second-round matchup between Cameroon and Botswana in the third round.

How they lined-up:

Rising Starlets: Scovia Awour, Mollyne Akinyi, Purity Owino, Rachael Odhiambo, Jane Hato, Jerridine Odhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi, Rebecca Kwomba, Fasilah Odhiambo, Valerian Nekesa, Charity Midewa. 

Angola: Helena Kambinda, Avani Angusto, Carla Antonio, Edvania Ngola, Ivone Candido, Maria Isabel, Maria Chitupi, Adrian Luvango, Helana Ucendi, Amelia Jesus,Rufina Pedro

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