Rising Starlets step into Tanzania test with belief and experience

Odhiambo, who plays for Simba Queens, said she understands how the Tanzanians play and believes that knowledge could help the hosts secure a first-leg victory.

The second leg is set for February 14 at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam. The Starlets are targeting a positive home result to stay on course for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

“As a team, this is a big match. Tanzania is not easy; you saw the goals they scored against Angola. They are a good team,” she said.

Odhiambo, who previously played for Kangemi Ladies before moving to Tanzania and later joining Simba Queens, said her journey has shaped her outlook and given her insight into the opponents.

“I started at Kangemi Ladies and later moved to Tanzania. I tell young players not just to look at big teams but to start small and do well where they are. That is better,” she said.

Her time in Tanzania, she added, has given her valuable exposure and knowledge of the opposition.

“Playing in Tanzania has given me exposure. I know some of their first eleven and I have told my teammates the secrets we can use to win. It is up to us to deliver tomorrow. The fans are the twelfth player and they have given us motivation,” Odhiambo said.

The team, carrying a mix of youthful hunger and growing experience, believes it has what it takes to maximise home advantage.

The 18-year-old made history by scoring Kenya’s first-ever goal at a FIFA World Cup, netting the opening goal in a 2-1 win against Mexico at the 2024 Fifa U-17 Women’s World Cup match.

“It has not been easy. Being nominated at SOYA was a competition and I was happy for the trophy because I fought hard,” she said. “As players, given that the coach has called on us to perform, my teammates know me through the league and I am going to push and show them I can.”

The forward, also nominated for the CAF Player of the Season award, said the transition from U17 to U20 level has sharpened the squad’s mentality.

“It has been a journey. The U17 World Cup was a very good experience because we saw what it entails. Now at U20, we must push and ensure we all give our best. Starting at home works well and when we go there, even if they lock up, we will have finished the race,” she said.

She acknowledged the intensity of the regional rivalry and said the players are determined to impress their supporters

“The rivalry between Kenya and Tanzania is tough but we are focused on what is required of us. We will give the fans what they want. We are playing on home soil and we believe we are going for the full three points. As players, we want to give Kenya what they want,” Nekesa said.

Head coach Jackline Juma expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness, pointing to the positive mood in camp and the benefits drawn from recent friendlies.

“The mood is good, the girls are psyched up and we are prepared. After playing Ethiopia, we arranged friendlies to work on match fitness and they worked for us,” she said.

Juma stressed the importance of making home advantage count in the first leg.

“It is all about the match and letting the pitch decide. Tomorrow’s game is very important because we have the home advantage and we want to make it easier before we travel,” she added.

She confirmed there are no injury concerns and said the blend of league-based and returning players has created healthy competition within the squad.