KEEN TO BAG A WIN: Ouma calls for focus as Kenya’s search for maiden win continues

Head Coach Harambee Starlet David Ouma instruct players during Friendly match with Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, Oct 22, 2016. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

National women football team Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma has urged his players to put behind their frustrating 3-1 defeat to Ghana behind them and focus on tonight’s (9pm) game against Mali, at Limbe Omnisports Stadium.
The two teams have plenty to play for as they are both seeking to bounce back from their Group B opening encounters’ loss on Sunday and revive their semi-final qualification chances.

Mali were given a 6-0 hiding by champions Nigeria in Sunday’s early kick match before Kenya controversially lost to the Black Queens.
The match will be preceded by a potentially exciting clash between the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Ghana at 6pm.

With the encouraging mood in the camp, Ouma is confident of his side picking up their first win on the African Women Cup of Nations debut.

“We need to continue believing in ourselves because this is an opportunity for us to get a win. We have now got the experience in terms of what we should expect in the remaining two group matches. We have already got the first goal in the tournament, now we must continue searching for our maiden win,” said Ouma.

“We have discussed and evaluated our performance against Ghana. What happened on Sunday is now history and I have told the players to switch their focus to Mali and Nigeria. We have rectified our mistakes and the players are raring to go; the girls are psyched up. But as you are aware, there is no easy game in this Group. Both of us lost our first matches, so it will not be easy for either side. We still have a lot to play for in the upcoming two matches.

“The two-day rest has helped the players recover psychologically from Sunday’s disappointment. I understand they have some a few players coming from suspension, but that will not stop us from proving ourselves and achieving our target. In football, anything is possible,” added Ouma.

However, just like Ouma, Mali coach Oumar Guindo has demanded quick response from his youthful.
“It is going to be a tough match for both teams, but I believe we have what it takes to bounce back. Our objective still remains to go past group stages and that is why we want to treat the Kenya game like a final,” said Guindo, whose side is returning on the continental showpiece for the first time since 2010.