Starlets ready for N.Ireland baptism of fire

National women’s football team head coach David Ouma has taken the pressure off the shoulders of Harambee Starlets ahead of the Turkish Women’s Cup set to kick off Wednesday in Turkey.

The Cecafa champions left for Turkey early Tuesday morning and are scheduled to face Northern Ireland in their opening fixture on Wednesday then play Chile three days later before wrapping up their preliminary fixtures against Uzbekistan on Tuesday, March 10.

Speaking moments before jetting out, Ouma said his charges are excited rather than daunted by the prospect lying ahead and that they are ready to face the baptism of fire in the Middle East nation.

“We are really happy for the opportunity to feature in the tournament. Northern Ireland is by far a good team with experienced players. It’s ranked in the 56th position globally and we are in the 133 position but we shall fight.

“All we need to is to at least try to get a goal in the first half which will help us maintain the game towards the second half. I believe in my striking department led by Mwanahalima (Adam) and it’s my hope we will carry the day even if we will pull a draw,” he underscored.

The tactician however opined that Chile would be their toughest opponent in the pool thus warning his charges to be extra vigilant to avoid ‘embarrassment’.

“Chile are literally good, it’s a team which have taken part in the World Cup qualifiers several times, and they have a good record in the Copa America tournament. To me they pose the biggest threat to us,” he added.

Hungary, Venezuela, Hong Kong, Romania and Turkmenistan are other teams set to make an appearance at the tournament.

Prior to the departure for the tournament serving as a build up to the 2020 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Tanzania in April, Starlets have been in a residential camp where they played a series of friendly matches to sharpen their skills ahead of the tourney.

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Harambee Starlets Coach David Ouma Turkish Women’s Cup

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