The Kenya U20 women’s national team, Rising Starlets, will be seeking to get off to a perfect start when they host neighbouring counterparts Uganda in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier match set for Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday afternoon.From an almost non-existent squad, preparations for the two-legged knockout qualifier started with a selection exercise last week under the watchful eye of Harambee Starlets coach Charles Okere, with the squad having since been trimmed to 30 players.#RisingStarlets held a training session today as they gear up for the 2022 FIFA U20 FIFA Women World Cup qualifiers against Uganda.🔗https://t.co/8keZY3mUDu pic.twitter.com/oeg0L7ZetJ— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) September 21, 2021 With both teams having gotten a bye to the second round, Kenya will be seeking to get the advantage when they welcome the Ugandan girls on familiar home turf. Okere, who will be leading the youngsters in the match, expressed confidence in the team to get the job done.“We begin our FIFA U20 Women World Cup campaign against Uganda and we are determined to get a positive result that will take us a step closer to our dream of featuring in the 2022 FIFA U20 Women World Cup,””We have made the necessary preparations for the game and despite the team being picked from different areas, the players have really impressed in training. We know the Uganda match will be a tough one as there are always bragging rights at stake, we respect the opposition but our girls are ready for the occasion,” the head coach said.It’s match day for our Rising Starlets!!🆚 Uganda🏆 FIFA U20 Women World Cup Qualifiers📆 Saturday, September 25, 2021⌚ 3 pm EAT🏟️ Nyayo National Stadium#Tunaweza pic.twitter.com/y1U8akQpKt— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) September 25, 2021 Uganda head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi on the other hand tipped his side to turn the game in their favour on away territory so as to build on it in the second leg that will take place in Kampala.“We have had our final touches and are surely very ready for the game. I want to assure every supporter that the team is committed to performing well. The away game is always important in such contests and if you get a good result that can be a good stepping stone into the return leg,” the head coach is quoted on Uganda’s portals.It’s Match Day in NairobiKenya U20 vs Uganda U20 (Women Football)#WomenFootballUG #FIFAWomenU20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/terqrMRa1x— FUFA (@OfficialFUFA) September 25, 2021 At the next phase (third round), the winner between Uganda and Kenya will face either South Africa or Mozambique. The second leg will be played on Friday 8 October in Kampala with the winner on aggregate advancing to the next stage.Rising Starlets Squad.GoalkeepersUrsula Nasimiyu (Dagoretti Mix), Valentine Khwaka (Zetech Sparks), Lucy Kisaga (Gitothua Starlets),Edith Auma (Kibera Queens), Sophy Akinyi (Manyatta Ladies).DefendersVeronica Awino (Gaspo Women), Peris Oside (Nakuru Queens), Mercy Masika (Dagoretti Mix), Joyce Andeo (Beijing FC), Eunice Mwangi (Mpesa Foundation), Invioleta Mukoshi (St John’s Kaloleni), Lucy Kahuga (Madira Girls), Martha Simiyu (Falling Waters), Redempta Mercy (Madira Girls)MidfieldersMedina Abubakar (Uweza Soccer), Drailer Salome (Tigers FC), Lydia Akoth (Zetech Sparks), Maximilla Robi (Beijing FC), Milka Awino (Zetech Sparks), Catherine Aringo (Fortune Ladies), Jane Hato (Madira Girls), Lavender Akinyi (Wiyeta Girls), Mildred Kanyisi (Dagoretti Mix).ForwardsFasila Adhiambo (Dagoretti Mix), Elizabeth Muteshi (Nangili Girls), Sylvia Makungu (Acakoro), Shirlyne Opisa (Wiyeta Girls), Charity Midewa (Madira Girls), Joy Kinglady (Zetech Sparks), Catherine Kizito (Kolwa Falcons)
