Three doubtful as Starlets seek Algieria’s scalp

Wendy Achieng, Dorcas Shikobe and keeper Elizabeth Mwikali will undergo late fitness tests to establish whether they will make the first XI of the Harambee Starlets team to play Algeria on Tuesday in the return leg of their Women’s 2016 AFCON qualifier.

According to head coach David Ouma, the trio picked up knocks in the first leg in Algiers last Friday where Kenya battled to a 2-2 draw to bring the team to touching distance of a first ever qualification to the continental showpiece in its history.

Despite the injury scares, Ouma is confident the girls will secure the 0-0, 1-1 or even better, the win they need to sail through to the finals in Cameroon in November.

Starlets will play their Northern African neighbours at the Safaricom Stadium in Kasarani.

“The only thing is to tighten our defence. Algeria is a tough team which has been at the AFCON four times and have experienced players who play professional football in Abu Dhabi.

“I have studied their game and noted they have two quick strikers so I will ensure they will not break our defence,” the SportPesa Premier League side Sofapaka FC coach added.

Mary Kinuthia who plays for Lady Cardinals Uganda will lead the striking force alongside Mwanalima Adam and Neddy Atieno.

Martha Karimi, Tabaka Chacha (Makolanders) and Caroline Anyango (Spedag) are the candidates to lead the creative outlet in midfield.

“I can rest one of the midfielders and replace her with a striker, that’s what I am thinking after the light training today (Monday). I will have known every one’s strength to use in the coming match.”

The match will be start at 3pm local time (+3GMT).