Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche attributed her team’s triumph over Ethiopia in the FIFA Under-17 World Cup third-round qualifying match to a strategic change in tactics.Starlets are now a step closer to the global tournament, set to take place in the Dominican Republic later this year, after a 3-0 victory at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.The two teams had settled for a barren draw in the first leg played in Addis Ababa.Kenya’s goals came from skipper Elizabeth Ochaka, who headed in a minute before halftime, followed by long-range stunners from Velma Owour and Lorna Faith.##NAJAVA_MECA_8114223##Speaking after the match, Cheche explained that adopting an offensive style of play was key to their success against an opponent expecting a defensive strategy similar to the one used in the first leg.”We went more on the offense contrary to their expectations, changed our tactics, and focused on more action in the final third of the pitch, which brought great success to the team,” stated the Harambee Starlets assistant coach.The Kenyan girls, on the brink of making history as the first team from the country to participate in a World Cup, faced significant pressure to perform well in front of their fans, which Cheche acknowledged played a role in their triumph.”The pressure is positive because, when we look at the bigger picture of making history, our players showed that they can play under pressure and perform,” she said.”We also have a supportive bench, ready to brainstorm and come up with solutions.”Junior Starlets step away from sealing World Cup ticket after demolishing Ethiopia in third roundCheche, who holds a CAF B coaching license, praised the impact of other competitions such as Chapa Dimba na Safaricom, Kenya Secondary Sports Association games, and Talanta Hela in unearthing quality players.She said that through the tournaments, the national scouts were able to assemble a formidable squad for the national team.”School games, Chapa Dimba, and Talanta Hela have played a huge role in ensuring we have quality players. During the competition, we have been able to see good players who have gathered to the national team,” remarked Cheche.Reflecting on their upcoming match against Burundi, who eliminated Djibouti with a staggering 24-0 aggregate win, Cheche noted that they will be strengthening the squad to face their opposition differently and secure a historic pass to the prestigious global showpiece.Relegation-threatened Talanta face KCB test in Monday action
