Rising Starlets Team captain Jane Hato has predicted victory against Angola in the Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifiers scheduled for Sunday at the Nyayo Stadium.
The World Cup is set to be played in Colombia from September 5-22, 2024. The world football governing body on Wednesday increased the number of teams taking part in the event from 16 to 24.
The squad has been in a week-long residential training in preparation for the first leg of their qualifier match.
As part of their ongoing preparation, the team played against Kahawa Pride Ladies on Wednesday at the Kasarani Annex, where they secured an 18-0 victory. Hato, who is also a Madira Assassins midfielder, said they will take advantage of the home ground to repulse Angola.
“In the game against Angola, we won’t let them have it easy because we will be playing before home fans. We must win at home to make the second leg a formality,” she said.
Subsequently, the Rising Starlets will travel to Angola on October 11 for the second leg match, scheduled for October 14.
Hato further called on the fans to turn up in large numbers and ensure they win. She said if they beat Angola they will be sure to participate in the 2024 World Cup.
“I urge our fans to turn up in large numbers and support us and women’s football. I have faith that if we beat Angola in this World Cup qualifier, we will get to the World Cup,” Hato said.
Rising Starlets faced a humiliating exit in the first round of the 2022 World Cup qualifier matches after a 3-10 aggregate loss to neighbouring Uganda. They fell 2-7 to Uganda at the Nyayo stadium in the first leg and lost yet again 3-1 in the return leg played at St. Mary’s Stadium, Entebbe.
Hato highlighted that participating in the World Cup would show the world that Kenya has talented youths and that it was upon them to bring the limelight to Kenya by qualifying for the tournament.
“If we participate in the World Cup, we will show the people out there that Kenya has talent. So we have taken it as a task to reach the World Cup so people can recognise Kenya,” the captain said.
She also added that the training the team had been undergoing throughout the week was enough for them to secure a win in the first leg.
“Training has been good and the coaches are motivating us. With the training we have had, we expect a win in the coming game,” she added.
The victor of this tie on aggregate will advance to face the winner of the clash between Cameroon and Botswana in the third round of qualifications.
Should Rising Starlets secure a ticket for the 2024 World Cup, they will be the first-ever Kenyan team to feature in the international tournament.
