Prowling Harambee Starlets tackle Zanzibar in Cecafa

IN JINJA, UGANDA

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has hinted at resting some of his dependable stars during Thursday afternoon's clash against Zanzibar in the ongoing Cecafa Women Championship in Jinja.

Starlets have already secured a berth in the semi-finals of the competition following identical 4-0 wins over hosts Uganda and Burundi at the Njeru Technical grounds on Sunday and Tuesday respectively.

(READ: Starlets rout Burundi to storm Cecafa semis)

In contrast, Zanzibar have already suffered elimination following heavy losses to Burundi and Uganda which saw them concede a record 19 goals in the two games, while scoring only once.

"We are (obviously) going for a win. I might give some reserve players minutes but the target is to win the game because that's the kind of momentum we want to take into the knockout stage," said Ouma.

Apart from winning the game, Ouma added that his team is looking to finish top of Group A and possibly advance to the knockout stages without conceding a goal.

Earlier on Wednesday, Uganda Cranes legend Paul Ssali backed the Starlets to not only win the Cecafa Women Championship, but also extend their dominance to the rest of Africa.

Ssali, who is part of the Uganda national women team (Crested Cranes) technical bench, shared his assessment after watching Kenya's strong start at the inaugural seven-team regional tournament that is underway in Jinja town.

"When you watch Kenya play, you see a side that is miles apart from their opponents at this tournament," Ssali, who was part of Uganda Cranes team that made it to the final of the 1978 Africa Cup of Nations told Daily Nation Sport.

"With good follow up, this Kenyan team can rule Africa and be competitive beyond the continent. They have all the attributes of a strong side, they are physical, fast and their heights are also good."

The former KCCA FC and Simba custodian has also singled out a number of Starlets player for praise, with goalkeeper Vivian Akinyi, captain Mary Kinuthia, strikers Esse Akida and Neddy Atieno earning his plaudits.

"Those will be strong pillars for Kenya during the Africa women Nations Cup in Cameroon," he added.

The Starlets qualified to play at their first ever Nations Cup tournament after defeating Algeria in the qualification matches early year.

FIXTURES

Thursday
Kenya v Zanzibar, 2pm

Ugandav Burundi, 4pm

Friday
Tanzania v Ethiopia, 4pm