NAIROBI, Aug. 17 (Xinhua) -- Kenya finally secured revenge against Ethiopia as they claimed a 3-2 win in a women's soccer friendly in Nairobi on Saturday.
The win boost Kenya's hopes of a good run in the Africa Olympic qualification campaign as they head to Blantyre, Malawi on August 28.
Head coach David Ouma said his refreshed squad is now ready for the continental debacle against Malawi in which the winner will play against Ghana or Gabon in the third round.
"We have put in a lot of effort in training and it has paid off if today's results are anything to go by. It is time for me to assess how well my players have performed," said Ouma here on Saturday.
"Ethiopia is a good side. We lost to them at the CECAFA Women Championships last year in Rwanda so it was important to see how good we are against them. We are going to attack against Malawi and I'm confident we'll give a positive result," he added.
Forward Mwanahalima Adam was the star of the show, netting twice while assisting a late winner, which now sets the Starlets in high spirits ahead of their upcoming Olympics qualifier against Malawi.
Adam was on target in the 7th minute, outpacing the Ethiopian defense before slotting the ball over the onrushing Balcha Tarikua. The first half ended 1-0.
Ware Birtukan then restored parity for the guests upon resumption, capitalizing on the Starlets' slow reaction to a free-kick.
Adam was at it again, slotting past the Ethiopian goalie off a lob from Starlets midfielder Corazone Aquino. The lead didn't last long, however, Serkadis Kidane tapping in from close range just moments later.
As the match seemed to be heading for a draw, Adam was hacked down as she went for goal. Gentrix Shikangwa stepped up to slot in the spot-kick that saw the Starlets take home the full share of spoils in stoppage time.
Focus now shifts to the upcoming Olympics Qualifier against Malawi. The first leg is set to be played on August 28, 2019, in Blantyre. The second leg is slated for September 1, 2019, in Nairobi.
