Brave Harambee Starlets go down in Johannesburg

HARAMBEE STARLET VS KEMU QUEENS FRIENDLY MATCH KASARANI Harambee Starlet Esse Akida(R) and Terry Ouko of KeMU Queens battle for the ball during their friendly match at Kasarani Stadium on 05/07/15.PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO

National women’s football team, Harambee Starlets failed to contain Banyana Banyana as they lost 1-0 in the first leg of the third round of Rio 2016 qualifiers yesterday evening.

The match, played at Dobsonville Stadium saw Ester Ramalepe score the crucial goal in the 74th minute. David Ouma’s charges displayed good performance especially in the first half, as they pinned their opponents in their own half.

Ouma praised his girls for the improved performance, saying they can overturn the results in the second leg.

“It was not easy to play the match because the team did not have enough time to rest having arrived in Johannesburg yesterday morning.

“Playing against an experienced team and posting this result is not easy, but I give credit to the girls for the way they played today.

“It is unfortunate we lost, but we seek to overturn the results in the return leg because we did the same against Botswana last Month,” said Ouma.

The match started on a high note as the home team threatened in the first 10 minutes, but goalkeeper Pauline Awino repulsed the attack.

In the 26th minute, Banyana’s Precious Silindile missed a goal-scoring opportunity from a counter attack and Awino was yet again called to duty and she denied the South Africans the chance.

Awino made another save in the 31st minute when she faced Kgatlana Thembi in a one-on-one situation.

Three minutes later, Cheris Avilia and Neddy Atieno were involved in one of Kenya’s attacks, but Banyana’s defenders were equal to the task.

A minute to halftime, Banyana’s Sanah Mollo could not find her target, as her shot went inches wide.

After resumption, Starlets picked up from where they left, as scores remained unchanged at the hour mark.

Attacks from the home team bore fruits in the 74th minute when Ester Ramalepe slotted the match winner.

The team will arrive today night.