Ouma says belief behind Starlets AWCON push

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma says belief will drive his side when they carry a 2-1 advantage over Equatorial Guinea into their second leg clash in Malabo on Saturday.

Ouma admitted playing away at the central African state means the atmosphere will be different but backed his charges to finish the job.

Starlets will need a draw of any sort or a win to seal their Africa Women’s Cup of Nation (AWCON) qualification as they bid to return to the continental showpiece following their historic first appearance in 2016.

“The fight is to qualify for AWCON. It is a small step remaining and the players have the potential to complete the task.  The support back home is great and they have to hold their heads high going to Equatorial Guinea.

“Being the away side, the conditions might make it difficult but the belief within the team will see as through,” said Ouma said.

Starlets conceded an away goal during the first leg in Machakos and the tactician is clear about his intentions ahead of the tie on Saturday.

“I want to ensure my players can control the game. That will allow us to showcase the flair within the team. We also have to improve on our set pieces. Scoring from open play can be hard sometimes so we can use set pieces to win the game. I want the players to dominate the attacking play because we have to cancel out the goal we conceded,” asserted Ouma.

Meanwhile, his opposite number Daniel Lola rests his hopes on the away goal they scored to inspire them when they welcome the visitors to the Estadio Nkoantoma de Bata.

“We played well. We got a goal playing away and that gives us an upper hand going to Malabo. When they (Starlets) come, we will play to our strenghts and hope to win,” said Lola.

David Ouma will be hoping to guide Starlets to a second consecutive AWCON after he lead them to their maiden appearance in Cameroon in 2016.

This year’s tournament is scheduled for Ghana from November 17 to December 1.