Former Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma has urged the Junior Starlets to draw inspiration from Kenya’s memorable 2019 victory over Malawi as they prepare to face the United States in their second Group E match at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Rabat, Morocco.Download Our MozzartSport App For More NewsOuma, who currently coaches Mathare United, believes Kenya’s youngsters should not be intimidated by the Americans’ attacking prowess when the two sides meet on Thursday at 9 pm Kenyan time.The Junior Starlets suffered a disappointing start to their campaign on Monday, losing 3-0 to China at the Mohammed VI Football Academy.##NAJAVA_MECA_10047209##Their next opponents, meanwhile, announced themselves in emphatic fashion, thrashing Samoa 17-0 in their opening match.However, Ouma believes the Americans’ remarkable scoreline should not discourage the Kenyan youngsters, pointing to a similar situation he experienced while in charge of the senior women's national team.“USA beating Samoa 17-0 should not scare them at all. I remember when I was coaching Harambee Starlets, and Malawi had beaten Comoros 13-0 in the Olympic qualifiers. We went on to defeat them, so beating the USA can be achieved,” he offered.Muyoti disputes Kenya Police claim of mutual exitThe coach was referring to Kenya’s 2019 Olympic Games qualifying campaign, when Harambee Starlets overturned a first-leg deficit to eliminate Malawi and advance to the next round.Kenya had lost the first leg 3-2 in Blantyre but responded with a commanding 3-0 victory at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on 1 September, 2019, progressing 5-3 on aggregate.Midfielder Cynthia Shilwatso opened the scoring in the 19th minute before forward Mwanalima “Dogo” Adam struck twice in the 77th and 86th minutes to complete the comeback.##NAJAVA_MECA_10047209##The result came weeks after Malawi had recorded a 13-0 victory over Comoros at the 2019 COSAFA Women's Championship in South AfricaThe former Starlets coach also called on Kenyans to rally behind the junior side, while identifying finishing as one of the areas they must improve after their defeat to China.“As a Kenyan, I must rally behind my team to perform at the World Cup. I watched their match against China, and they failed to convert a couple of chances, something they need to work on ahead of tonight’s match,” he added.EXCLUSIVE: Invincible league-winning Gor Mahia coach eyes Harambee Starlets jobThe challenge facing Kenya is considerable. The United States scored nine goals in the first half against Samoa before adding eight more after the break in a record-setting victory.American forward Maddie DiMaria was the standout performer, scoring six goals to set a record for the most goals by an individual player in a Women's World Cup match at any level.Ten American players found the net in a dominant display that exposed Samoa's defensive weaknesses.##NAJAVA_MECA_10046926##Kenya are appearing at the U-17 Women's World Cup for the second time, having made their debut in the Dominican Republic in 2024.During that campaign, the Junior Starlets finished third in Group C with three points after losing 2-0 to England and 3-0 to North Korea before beating Mexico 2-1.
47
previous post