Cheery Akida talks up Starlets chances as Ouma rallies team ahead of Uganda test

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma has challenged his charges to make good use of the home ground advantage when they lock horns with Uganda Cranes in an African Women Cup of Nations qualifier tomorrow at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Starlets will be aiming to get a commanding victory ahead of the return leg in Kampala as they hunt for a place in the Awcon finals to run from November 17-December 1 in Ghana.

And just hours to the high stakes duel, Ouma has rallied the girls, urging them to dominate the game.

“We need to be more precise in terms of delivering cross balls in this match. We would also like to take control of this match because I believe this will enhance the possibilities of winning,”Ouma told Citizen Digital.

Ouma who made a return to the Starlets dugout, taking over from Richard Kanyi has, at the same time, brought in six new faces ahead of the qualifier. The new blood include Brenda Achieng, Monica Karambu, Elizabeth Ambogo, Juliet Auma and Mercy Ayiro. Returnee Esse Mbeyu Akida is also part of the squad.

Akida has been sidelined with an injury and missed last week’s 3-0 win over Zambia in an international friendly match.

Ouma is however hopeful that the lethal Akida who is under the close supervision of the team’s medics could shrug the injury and play a role in tomorrow’s crunch tie.

Akida, who turns out for Spedag FC is however relishing the challenge.

She said: “I am looking forward to featuring in the match and I am hopeful that we shall win considering our last two meetings with the Cranes where we beat them 4-0 in both matches.”

Esse Mbeyu’s words were echoed by veteran striker and Starlets’ captain Wendy Achieng who revealed that team’s spirit is high

“Our morale is high moreso after the 3-0 win against Zambia. We are confident,” she reiterated.

-Report by Geoffrey Mwamburi and Lameck Amenga