Kenya carry vital away goal from Botswana

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma and his opposite number from Botswana Gaolethhoo “Ronaldo” Nkutlwisang both remain optimistic of guiding their respective teams to the next phase of the 2015 Caf women’s Olympics qualifiers.

The two tacticians spoke to Sunday Nation Sport on phone from Botswana, hours after the hosts edged Kenya 2-1 at the Lobatse Sports Complex, in their opening round, first leg qualifier on Friday evening.

Ouma will be encouraged by the vital away goal Kenya scored and they can progress with a 1-0 result in Machakos this weekend.

Kenya should be extra motivated to eliminate Botswana.

The Botswana Under-23 men’s side knocked Kenya out of the Rio Olympic Games qualifiers early this month on away goals rule, following an aggregate 4-4 scoreline.

“Botswana are a much older and physically bigger, but I am happy because our girls put in a good shift and made our remaining assignment lighter by scoring an away goal. We were also denied a clear goal and a penalty shout but discussing that at this moment will not help our case,” Ouma said.

The Botswana coach displayed some caution in his sentiments saying: “We started very well and pinned them, scored twice early on but the goal they scored complicating matters a little bit. Having watched them over 90 minutes, I can say we can qualify but will need to be very determined.”

Refilwe Tholakele and Lesogo Keloboge handed the Zebras a 2-0 lead at the break to the delight of the thousands of home fans. Mary Kinuthia however scrambled in Kenya’s vital away goal deep into stoppage time.