Harambee Starlets trio Swaum Nanjala (left), Faith Mboya and Tumaini Waliaula during a training session. [FKF Media]
Harambee Starlets will hope to continue with their perfect start in the ongoing Cecafa Senior Women’s Championship when they face rivals Uganda Crested Cranes today from 7 pm in a crucial round two match at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kenya thrashed Burundi 3-0 on Sunday to kick off their title push on the front foot.
Midfielder Martha Amunyolet scored two quick goals to give Kenya a 2-0 lead after only five minutes of play before Faith Mboya came off the bench to seal the win.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s encounter, Mboya, who scored the third goal, said she is hungry for more after scoring her first national team goal.
The Kibera Soccer Women striker who scored a whopping 15 goals to finish second in the FKF Women’s Premier League golden boot race believes Kenya has the quality to go all the way.
“I want to thank God for these achievements. It’s my first goal for Kenya. I am thrilled!” said Mboya, who narrowly missed out on the golden boo,t which was won by Kenya Police’s Rebecca Okwaro (16 goals).
“The tournament is just beginning. We have trained well and we are looking forward to the Uganda match.”
Starlets assistant coach Godfrey Oduor said they are ready to face Uganda.
“We are satisfied with the team's performance against Burundi. We have seen that all players are ready to give their all, and the best we can do now as coaches is to not only congratulate them, but also continue motivating them ahead of the remaining matches,” said Oduor.
The tactician, who replaced Jackline Juma last week as Beldine Odemba’s assistant, added that recovery sessions will be key in Kenya’s push for the title.
“Recovery is important in round-robin tournaments and we have a day to do so before facing Uganda. We had players who played 90 minute and that must be assessed to ensure we get the best out of all the players,” added the coach.
Uganda, on the other hand, hammered South Sudan 5-0 to bounce back from their opening day shocking 1-0 defeat to Burundi.
The defending champions currently lead the round-robin table with three points same as Tanzania, Kenya and Burundi. Uganda have a greater goal difference.
Tanzania, who thrashed South Sudan 4-0, will be in action against Burundi.
“I am very happy to score two goals for my team and be voted woman of the match. We now shift our focus to the next game because it is not yet done and we must win all our matches,” said Kenya’s midfielder Amunyolet, who scored a brace in the opening match.