Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has vowed to exact revenge in the return leg to keep their World Cup dream alive after they fell 1-0 to Cameroon at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.
Starlets suffered their first defeat in seven matches in the
third round of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier. Cheche promised a fierce return leg as they
chase a ticket to Morocco.
“We’ll fight for everything away. Cameroon should expect a
tough match — they have everything to lose,” Cheche said.
Cameroon’s Tiwa Melong netted the match's solitary goal in
minute 27, finishing off a well-constructed move after a brief spell of
sustained pressure.
The visitors, twice African U16 champions, with two World
Cup appearances, used their experience to manage the game and frustrate the
hosts.
Despite the setback, Cheche struck a defiant tone after the
match. “Away will be everything to fight for.. They have everything to lose,”
said Cheche.
She added that the players lost morale midway, but they look
to utilise their chances ahead.
“Time wasting lowered our momentum, but it’s part of the
game. We’ll utilise our chances better and minimise fouls.”
Cheche made tactical changes early, bringing in Linde Weey
Atieno for Brenda Achieng in the first half to sharpen the midfield. Though Kenya created several chances,
including captain Halima Imbachi, they failed to find the back of the net.
“We’ll go to Cameroon with a positive mentality,” said Imbachi.
"Cameroon are a strong team, but we will leverage on
our strong football mentality. We’ve learned a few lessons from this
match," she said.
Cameroon coach Joseph Ndoko acknowledged Kenya’s effort and
praised the home support. “This was massive support for the younger categories
from Kenya — I haven’t seen such with us,” said Ndoko.
“It was a tough
match. The difference was in the small details. Kenya would have had more
chances had they utilised them. We can’t claim physical contact didn’t exist —
but it was a fight.”
Cameroon came into the fixture having beaten Egypt 6-0 in
the first round and Ethiopia 6-2 on aggregate in the second round. Starlets
came into the fixture unbeaten in six matches, having cruised past Uganda with
a 5-0 aggregate win in the second round after getting a bye in the first one.
Sunday’s encounter marked the first-ever meeting between the two nations at
this level.
The defeat marked Kenya’s first in seven qualifiers, but
with everything still to play for in the return leg, Cheche believes the
psychological preparation will be key. “Most players haven’t been in such a
situation, so we have a lot to change — and we will work on that,” he
concluded.
The second leg will be played in Yaoundé on Friday, with the
aggregate winner earning one of Africa’s four slots at the World Cup in
October.
