Commanding Rising Starlets see off Angola in WC U20 qualifier

Rising Starlets managed to register a commanding 6-1 victory over Angola in a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier first-leg duel at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Starlets put themselves on a course towards a commanding lead when they scored in the sixth minute through Valerie Nekesa. After making a run past the opponents, the Kenyan scorer fired past Angolan goalkeeper Helena Kambinda to break the deadlock.

Nekesa was not done yet, and in the eighth minute, she scored the second for the Beldine Odemba-led youngsters. The assist for the second goal came courtesy of Fasila Odhiambo, who also had remarkable afternoon action.

Stellar Nekesa

The high-flying Nekesa added the third – her deserved hattrick – in the 21st minute when she managed to breach the Angolan defense line. Two minutes later, Angola fought back and scored through Ivone Julio.

Charity Midewa scored Kenya’s fourth when she converted a free-kick that proved decisive for the hosts a minute before the halftime break.

Rising Starlets would have scored the fifth just as the second half began, but a chance that fell on the legs of Rachael Odhiambo went out inches.

The fifth goal, however, came in the 57th minute when Midewa scored with an assist from Elizabeth Muteshi. The Angolan side’s lack of solidity was exposed badly, and the opponents did not hesitate to take full advantage.

Five minutes past the hour mark, a chance for Angola to score another goal came, but Scovia Awuor was alert to deny Ivone Candido.

10 minutes to the end of regulation time, Kenya scored again when Faith Naliaka found the back of the net.

Second leg

Meanwhile, the second leg will be hosted on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

Kenya Starting XI: Scovia Awour, Mollyne Akinyi, Purity Owino, Rachael Odhiambo, Jane Hato, Jerridine Odhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi, Rebecca Kwomba, Fasilah Odhiambo, Valerian Nekesa, and Charity Midewa

Angola Starting XI: Helena Kambinda, Avani Angusto, Carla Antonio, Edvania Ngola, Ivone Candido, Maria Isabel, Maria Chitupi, Adrian Luvango, Helana Ucendi, Amelia Jesus, and Rufina Pedro