Kenyan coach injured in Starlets defeat to Malawi

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets lost 3-2 Malawi in the first leg of their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Qualifier at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre on Wednesday.

Starlets head coach David Ouma punched against a glass door in frustration after watching his side go 3-1 down at the break and had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment.

The result leaves the Starlets with all to do in Sunday’s return leg at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos where they will play behind closed doors as part of CAF conditions in passing it as an approved venue.

Sweden-based Tabitha Chawinga starred for the hosts with a first half brace after captain  Madina Ngluwe had opened the scoring inside the opening 13 minutes.

Cynthia Shilwatso scored for Starlets in between Chawinga’s double and the visitors needed a stroke of luck for their second, goalkeeper Samir Amidu’s clearance ricocheting off Elizabeth Wambui into the net.

Malawi took the lead courtesy of a brilliant set-piece by Shilwatso who converted after they had been awarded a free-kick for a foul committed by Corazone Acquino on Bridget Mkuzilire.

Kenya a chance to score more than four goals in the match but they wasted a lot of chance. Notable chance was in the 5th minute where Mwanahalima Adam delivered a well shot which was cleared by Malawi Keeper Samir Amadu.

Janet Moraa almost struck in the 23rd minute after dribbling her way into a good position but she was could not finish, shooting wide off the target.

Starlets assistant coach Jackline Juma accused the referee of unfair officiating after the match.

“We started well but unfortunately my ladies lost it some few minutes to the end of first half. In the second half we pressed on but Malawi defence was too tight.

“We had a chance to win the match but I blame the referee, he was not fair at all, my players were brought down in many occasions but he didn’t blew the whistle.’

‘’Anyway we now shift focus in the second leg in Machakos and I believe we will score two goals and qualify for the third roud,” Juma said.

The aggregate winner between the two will face either Ghana or Gabon in the third round of the qualifiers.