Avoid unnecessary fouls: Ouma warns Starlets ahead of Cecafa final

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma has warned his players not to give away unnecessary fouls ahead of their Cecafa Women Senior Challenge final tomorrow.

Ouma led his charges in demolishing Burundi 5-0 on Saturday in a semis clash to bag the final’s ticket and will be leaving nothing to chance when the two sides cross swords.

Vihiga Queens striker Jenrix Shikangwa was the star of the match grabbing a brace in the 54th and 77th minutes as skipper Dorcas Sikobe (14), Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Adam (71) and Corazone Acquino added one each to complete the rout.

Said Ouma: “I am very grateful for the perfect job done by my girls, playing four matches and not conceding even a goal means they are really determined and eager to lift the trophy. In our match against Burundi I realised they were conceding so many fouls to the opponent which were avoidable. In the first half they did that five times, and I think that’s shouldn’t be encouraged going to the final. ”

He went on: “It’s easy for a team to score goals from dead ball situation and that’s the area I want them to rectify the most going to the final.

“My lead striker Mwanahalima Adam got a slight knock yesterday but it’s not that serious so I hope she will be fully fit tomorrow as well as  Cynthia Shilwatso whom I rested.”

Oum will be boosted by the returning Kisumu Starlets goal-poacher Mercy Airo who finished her suspension after accumulating two yellow cards against Djibouti and Uganda.

The Monday final will be a repeat of 2016 edition, where at Njeru Technical College in Uganda, the host thrashed Kenya 2-1 to lift the title and Starlets will be looking for revenge.