Cameroon outsmart Kenya in World Cup qualifier

Kenya U20 Women's team the Rising Starlets suffered a 3-0 loss to Cameroon in a World Cup U20 third-round first-leg game played at the Amadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde Cameroon.

A below par first half display leaves Kenya with a mountain to climb in the return leg set to be played in Nairobi.

Heading into the game, coach Beldine Odemba had admitted that they would miss the eight players currently sitting for their KCSE exams but hoped that those called up would step up.

“We’ll miss 8 players in this round as they will sit for their KCSE exams, including our Captain Jane Hato. While their absence does pose a challenge, it’s an opportunity for eight new talents to shine. This new blood will hopefully integrate seamlessly with the team, and we’ll have a fresh face stepping into the captain’s role. We’ll work hard to overcome this hurdle in the upcoming round and hopefully, in the next round, we will emerge with a stronger, more resilient team,” said Coach Odemba.

It was a difficult first half for Kenya as they struggled to assert authority in the game and also failed to match the hosts' physicality and at halftime, they were 3-0 down.

Annie Felicia Enganemben grabbed a double while Naomi Eto scored the other goal to put the home team in the driving seat.

Kenya showed slight improvement after the interval and did well defensively but going forward continued to be a big challenge for the youngsters. They did not let in any goal in the second half.

The two teams meet again in Nairobi for the return on Friday 17th November.

Rising Starlets squad in Cameroon

Goalkeepers: Scovia Awuor, Christine Omolo, Ivonne Minage.

Defenders: Rebecca Kwoba, Rachel Adhiamb, Dorcas Glender, Judith Nandwa, Ruth Akinyi, Ann Brenda Ochieng, Tabitha Amoit, Redempter Mercy, Sharon Vidah Okeyo.

Midfielders: Clotilda Auma, Elizabeth Muteshi, Hellen Mito, Sunira Manda Were

Forwards: Valerie Leah Nekesa, Charity Midewa, Anna Nabwire Arusi, Elizabeth Mideva, Sharlyne Opisa, Fasila Odhiambo, Emilly Okute

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