Kenya, South Sudan clash as journey to Morocco 2022 starts

Head coach Shilene Boysen is optimistic that his team will perform well against their hosts, though he says they are under no pressure.

“We are not under pressure. The federation has been clear that first we needed a ranking which we got when we played in COSAFA. Now we need to build a team that will compete in CECAFA and Africa in two years-time. We are making the right strides on that a win over Kenya will help our course,” Boysen said

She added; “We know the pedigree that Kenya has. They are currently CECAFA Champions so we are not here to take this game lightly. The girls are still learning and they want to progress but in the process there’s desire to win and that is what the girls have brought to Kenya.”

The South Sudanese technical bench has former Kenyan international and national team head coach Florence Adhiambo and they hope her presence in the backroom staff will help give them a better chance to bring down Kenya.

Meanwhile, the Kenyan girls are optimistic they can start their campaign well and take a positive step towards qualification to Morocco next year.

“We have been in camp for quite a while and I believe we have prepared well. The girls are very much ready to take on South Sudan and I believe we are good to go,” Harambee Starlets head coach Charles Okere said.

He added; “We respect South Sudan ad a team and the preparations they have had. They have been in COSAFA and we know they have picked up quite some good experience and lessons so they will be a better team. We will give our all for a good result and I have belief in my girls.”

In the absence of regular skipper Dorcas Shikobe, midfielder Corazone Aquino will take on the captaincy duties for the team and she remains optimistic the team will start their campaign well.

“We tale a match at a time because this is a journey. We take all our opponents seriously and we respect South Sudan as well. We will tackle the game will all seriousness and hopefully we get a good result for Kenyans,” said the skipper.

With the first leg played on Wednesday, the return fixture will be played on Saturday, also at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. South Sudan are also using the facility as their home ground as they await clearance of their stadia in Juba.