Rising Starlets coach explains decision to bench team captain in crucial World Cup qualifier
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 10.02.26. | 12:27
Juma acknowledged her side’s missed opportunities but expressed confidence in her players’ ability to improve in front of goal
Kenya U20 coach Jackline Juma has admitted that her team squandered several chances in their 1-0 first-leg victory over Tanzania.
The World Cup third-round qualifier match was played last weekend at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Six minutes from time, Ulinzi Starlets forward Elizabeth Mideva broke the deadlock, securing a 1-0 advantage for Kenya ahead of the crucial second leg, where the winner on aggregate will advance to the final qualification round.
Reflecting on the first leg, Juma acknowledged her side’s missed opportunities but expressed confidence in her players’ ability to improve in front of goal.
“We created numerous chances but failed to convert them. We have the quality and experience; now it is about being sharper in front of the goal,” she said. “Football is about adapting to our opponents’ adjustments, and we must respond. I am confident we can get the job done.”
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Juma also addressed her decision to bench Kenya U17 captain Halima Imbachi throughout the game.
The player frequently warmed up on the sidelines, prompting questions from some fans about why the Kenya Police Bullets star was not involved.
“Halima is a good player, but I am conscious of the game’s demands. We would not want to overexpose her. We have something to protect. Moving forward, we will make the most of our chances, but we are grateful to have an advantage,” Juma explained.
Tanzania head coach Marco Kazobe, meanwhile, expressed belief that his team can overturn the first-leg deficit if they correct the mistakes from Saturday.
“I congratulate our opponents on the win and my players for following instructions. Being an away game, we played well. We aimed to draw or lose by a small margin,” he said.
Kazobe also criticized the choice of venue, calling the Ulinzi Sports Complex pitch unsuitable and suggesting Kasarani or Nyayo Stadium would have been better options.
Despite this, he remains confident of turning the tie around at home.
“Ulinzi Sports Complex was not ideal for us. Kenya has better stadiums, but they chose Ulinzi. However, it is not over until it is over. We will be at home, with home advantage, and we hope for the best,” he added.
