Junior Starlets' Pauline Namisi in action during a training session/ HANDOUTKenya women’s national under-17 football team defender Pauline Namisi and forward Emily Adhiambo say the team will rely on maturity, tactical discipline and home support as they prepare for the decisive second leg of their FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualification tie against Uganda.
The pair drew confidence from Kenya’s 1-1 draw in the first leg played at FUFA Stadium in Kadiba, with both players insisting the encounter provided valuable lessons ahead of Sunday’s return match at Nyayo National Stadium.
Namisi said Uganda approached the first leg determined to secure victory at home, but Kenya responded well under pressure to keep the tie balanced heading into Nairobi.
“In the first leg, Uganda had the mentality that they couldn’t get a point from their place, and they would beat us,” said Namisi during the team’s training session on Wednesday.
“They are a good team, but knowing that we had to win both ties, we fought hard and got the important point.”
Uganda had taken the lead through Shadia Nabirye before Adhiambo, who came off the bench, calmly scored the equaliser in the second half to hand Kenya a crucial away result.
For Adhiambo, attention has now shifted to correcting the mistakes that allowed Uganda to dominate portions of the first half in Kampala. “Being at home definitely means that we have to win,” Namisi added.
“Having played them, we now know their strengths and weaknesses, and I urge all my fellow players to work on their speed and let us beat them at their own game.”
Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche admitted the team struggled with nerves early in the first leg, attributing the slow start to the pressure of playing away from home.
However, she praised the team’s improved composure after halftime. Adhiambo also challenged Kenyan fans to turn out in large numbers and rally behind the side at Nyayo. “Fans will be very important, and so I urge them to come in numbers,” she said.
