Why Rising Starlets coach is confident of victory against Tanzania in World Cup qualifier

Kenya Women's Under-20 team, Rising Starlets, are gearing up for the return leg of the World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, 14 February.

Coach Jackline Juma is confident her team is ready to defend their 1-0 lead from the first leg.

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"We are ready, the players are ready, they know that we have something to defend," Juma said. "Tanzania is a good side; they have quality, and so do we. We are not taking anything for granted; we have analyzed the first leg and corrected the mistakes."

Juma highlighted the team's focus on improving their finishing, defending long balls, and anticipating opposition attacks. "In Nairobi, we created chances but did not utilize them. We have worked on our strikers to score whenever chances occur."

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The coach expects a tough match in Dar es Salaam, with Tanzania pushing hard for an equalizer. "They have home advantage, and we are not taking anything for granted. We will play our hearts out, defend and attack."

Captain Fasila Adhiambo echoed Juma's sentiments, saying the team has addressed mistakes from the first leg. "Coach has identified the shortcomings and addressed them. We're used to the hot and humid weather; we came early to acclimatize."

Adhiambo expects Tanzania to attack relentlessly, but the team is prepared. "We want goals, they want goals. We'll defend and attack, fingers crossed."

The Rising Starlets won the first leg 1-0 at the Ulinzi Complex, and a win in Dar es Salaam would take them closer to the World Cup.