Rising Starlets ready to complete double against East African rival Tanzania
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 14.02.26. | 11:38
Kenya takes a 1-0 win advantage from the first leg courtesy of an 85th minute strike by Elizabeth Mideva
Kenya U20 Women's national team, Rising Starlets have a crucial away match to Tanzania in the return leg of their 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifier to be played on Saturday, 14 February at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam from 1600 hrs.
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The match will be the second of a two-leg qualifier between the two East African rivals with the aggregate winner securing a place in the next and final round of qualification.
Kenya takes a 1-0 win advantage from the first leg courtesy of an 85th minute strike by Elizabeth Mideva in a match played on Saturday, 7 February at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang’ata.
Having created history by competing in the 2024 FIFA Women's U17 World Cup, Kenya is keen on repeating the feat with the U20 side and have the benefit of having coach Mildred Cheche who led the U17 to glory as part of the U20 technical bench.
Apart from the World Cup stakes, the match is also a renewal of rivalry between two East African neighbours who have shared great football banter over the years.
Knowing what is at stake, head coach Jackline Juma exuded confidence in her team's readiness, noting that they have worked on their weaknesses.
It's MATCHDAY#RisingStarlets #U20WWCQ pic.twitter.com/57dpj6CGkk
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 14, 2026
"We thank God first for maximum points at home because now we have an advantage. We want to win again, but even a draw will be a plus. There is a big difference in how we approached the first game and how we are going about this one. The girls know they have something to defend," said Juma
Juma reveals that there are areas that require sharpness, especially the final third but also strengthening the defense to combat Tanzania’s home advantage.
“In Nairobi, we created chances but did not utilize them. We have worked on our strikers to score whenever chances occur. They (Tanzania)have home advantage, and we are not taking anything for granted. We will play our hearts out, defend and attack,” she added.
Her sentiments were shared by the team’s captain Fasila Kamama Adhiambo who also revealed the team has positively adjusted to the weather conditions in Dar es Salaam.
“The coach identified the shortcomings and addressed them. We are used to the hot and humid weather; we came early to acclimatize. We want goals and they also want goals. We will therefore defend and attack, fingers crossed,” said Adhiambo.
The winner of the match will meet either Cameroon or Botswana in the final round of qualifiers.