Harambee Starlets coach Ouma picks positives despite thrashing

Starlets finished third in the Turkish Women’s Cup group stages. [Photo: Stafford Ondego]

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has congratulated his team for their descent performance in the just concluded Turkish Women’s Cup tournament.

“I would like to congratulate my players for playing well despite calling them when the Women Premier League clubs were in pre-season,” said Coach Ouma on Wednesday.

He picked out Sylvia Makungu for her exemplary performance in her debut for the Starlets during the tournament.

“Sylvia Makhungu has showcased her skill as she grabbed her opportunity as she played for the National team for the first time during the tournament.

“I believe we are now prepared to face Tanzania for AWCON qualifiers in April from the experience we have attained in this tournament,” Ouma stated.

Starlets finished behind group leaders Chile and Ghana who finished first and second respectively after one win in three matches.

Their solitary win came in the first match of the tournament after goals by Janet Bundi and Jentrix Shikangwa helped the David Ouma led side ease past Northern Ireland.

The national side was then thrashed five goals to nothing by Chile in the second match of the tournament. [Photo: Stafford Ondego]

The national side was then thrashed five goals to nothing by Chile in the second match of the tournament setting up the battle for the runners up position between Kenya and Ghana.

Ghana had lost their first match three-nil to Chile and walked into Kenya’s match on a four-nil thumping of Northern Ireland in the second match.

Writhing on exerting revenge after Kenya eliminated them in the Olympic Qualifiers at Kasarani Stadium last year, the Black Queens showed their intentions by scoring a goal just nine minutes into the match.

In the second half, the West Africa side put the game out of Kenya’s reach by scoring two goals with Starlets consolation goal coming at the tail end of the match.

With two wins and six points, Ghana secured the second position.

Kenya’s Sheril Angachi was named the best midfielder in the tournament, the Gaspo Youth FC midfielder was picked for the award after her impressive performance in the middle of the park for the Starlets.