This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
Kenya's Harambee Starlets are set to face off against Ghana in their Olympic qualifier match, with head coach David Ouma expressing confidence in his team's chances of pulling off an upset.
According to Ouma, the team has been working tirelessly to prepare for the match, with a focus on developing their team tactics and strategy.
‘In the previous trainings I have been concentrating much on physical qualities but this time round I want to thank the clubs for good cooperation, they have released the players I called in the camp on time and I have shifted my concentration to what is called team tactical training,’ Ouma said.
The team will be traveling to Ghana on Tuesday for the first leg of the match, before returning to Kenya for the second leg on Friday.
Kenya beat Malawi 5-3 on aggregate in the second round and will be looking forward to a similar result against Ghana, who they held to a 1-1 draw in November 2018 in a friendly match played in Kasarani.
The Olympics qualifying tournament, which is in its fifth edition, determines which team gains qualification to the 2020 Summer Olympics slated for Tokyo, Japan.
Starlets captain Dorcas Shikobe is also optimistic ahead of the match, saying that the team has been in training for a long time and is ready for the task.
‘We have met Ghana before and we know they are a tough side but we will try our best to beat them,’ Shikobe observed.
Kenya's Harambee Starlets have announced their final squad for the match, with 10 players dropped from the initial list.
Travelling Squad:
- Annette Kundu- Eldoret Falcons (GK)
- Judith Osimbo- Gaspo Women (GK)
- Dorcas Shikobe- Oserian Ladies (CB)
- Vivian Nasaka- Vihiga Queens (RB)
- Wincate Kaari- Gaspo Women (LB)
- Lydia Akoth- Thika Queens(MF)
- Quinter Atieno- Gaspo Women
- Corazone Aquino- Gaspo Women
- Sheryl Angach- Gaspo Women
- Bertha Omita- Kisumu All Starlets
- Jentrix Shikangwa- Wiyeta Girls School
- Topister Nafula- Vihiga Queens
- Mercy Airo- Kisumu All Starlets
- Janet Moraa- Eldoret Falcons
- Elizabeth Wambui- Gaspo Women
- Ruth Ingosi- Eldoret Falcons
- Mwanalima Adams- Thika Queens
- Cynthia Shilwatso- Vihiga Queens
- Elizabeth Katungwa- Kwale Girls
- Nelly Sawe – Thika Queens
