Kenya beat Lesotho in a World Cup qualifier in Nairobi

By Gilbert Wandera

Kenya made a positive return to the women international football on a positive note with a 2-0 win over Lesotho in the preliminary round of the Under-20 World Cup qualifier at Nyayo Stadium.

A goal each from Mural Auma Adiego who scored in the third minute and another by Wendy Achieng’ in the 27th minute, was enough to ensure the home-side came off with a comfortable win.

The Kenyans came out strongly in attack and had control of matters in the early stages of the match as their opponents took time to settle.

Lesotho showed some flashes of brilliance in ball control and Boitomalo Rabele was a constant threat in the Kenyan defence with her brilliant runs.

She nearly beat Kenyan goalkeeper Pauline Achieng’ with a long shot on the half hour mark when she forced the Kenyan custodian to make a save.

The visitors started the second half strongly and appeared determined to get at least a crucial away goal but the Kenyan defence stood firm on all fronts.

Curling shot

Rabele has another attempt at goal in the 49th minute with a brilliant curling shot that Senkepeng Khotseng failed to head home with only the goalkeeper to beat.

As Lesotho piled pressure, Pelesa Mpeta was stopped by Achieng’ as she made for the Kenyan goal .

The Kenyan players appeared to have run out of energy in the second half and allowed their opponents to dominate.

Defensive approach

Kenyan coach Florence Adhiambo was lost for words after the match. "I’m really delighted and lack the words to express how I feel. The girls were brilliant and they followed my instructions to the letter. This is why we won today. I dedicate this win to the Kenyan women who have supported us throughout," she said.

Adhiambo said she will opt for a defensive approach in the return match as she believes the team has done enough to qualify for the second round of the qualifiers.

"We will be more defensive and try and get our chances on counter-attack. We cannot risk to open up our back in the return leg because we know they will come hard at us," she said.

Adhiambo said she is optimistic of going all the way in the qualifiers after Friday’s results.

She admitted the lack of energy by her players in the second half and offered that they now have to take it easy between now and the return match a fortnight away.

The team last featured in WC qualifiers in 2006 going down to Nigeria 11-1.