Kenya’s Junior Starlets face a stern test against the United States today from 9.PM [EAT] with head coach Mildred Cheche demanding improvements in attack and defence after their 3-0 defeat to China in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco.
The Group E encounter presents an opportunity for the Kenyan youngsters to revive their campaign, but they must overcome an American side that announced its intentions with a commanding 17-0 victory over Samoa in its opening match.
Cheche admitted that her charges must raise their performance levels if they are to stand a chance of progressing beyond the group stage, pointing to missed scoring opportunities and defensive lapses as key areas requiring urgent attention.
“We still have an opportunity to improve, and we must improve if we are to go beyond the group stage. A lot has to be done, especially in the forward line and the defence. Hopefully, we get that right before our next match,” said Cheche.
The tactician found encouragement in Kenya’s first-half display against China, despite conceding early, but was disappointed with the team’s performance after the break, when the Asian side scored twice to secure victory.
“In the first half, we had better moments even though we conceded. We played really well but not so well in the second half,” she added.
The coach believes the Junior Starlets showed enough attacking promise to suggest they can trouble their opponents, provided they become more clinical in front of goal.
“I think we did well in creating chances, but now we must work on converting them. We will keep fighting for the country. We will keep trying and encouraging the girls to do better,” she said.
The challenge against the USA will demand greater concentration from Kenya’s defence, while the forwards must make the most of any opportunities that come their way against the high-scoring Americans.
Kenya will be seeking their first points of the tournament to keep their knockout-stage ambitions alive. After Today’s encounter, the Junior Starlets will conclude their Group E campaign against Samoa on October 25.
Both matches will be played at the Mohammed VI Football Academy in Morocco.
