1. The Result: A Slender Advantage in the “Lang’ata Derby”
On Saturday, February 7, the Ulinzi Sports Complex was a cauldron of East African tension. The Rising Starlets faced their “noisy neighbors,” the Tanzanite Queens, in a high-stakes third-round first leg.
The match remained a tactical stalemate for 84 minutes, characterized by compact defensive blocks and missed Kenyan opportunities. However, the deadlock was finally shattered when Elizabeth Mideva—the Arch Bishop Njenga Girls forward—latched onto a pass from substitute Emily Morang’a to fire home the winner.
Final Score: Kenya 1 – 0 Tanzania
The Hero: Elizabeth Mideva (84′)
The Strategy: Coach Juma stuck to a familiar starting XI, favoring the experienced Christine Adhiambo in goal to provide stability under pressure.
2. The Juma Mandate: “Sharper Finishing”
Despite the win, Jackline Juma isn’t celebrating just yet. In her post-match briefing on February 9, she issued a constructive “warning” to her squad.
“We have the quality and the experience; now it’s about being sharper in front of the goal. We created numerous chances but failed to convert them. Moving forward, we must make the most of our chances.”
Juma’s confidence is bolstered by the “Golden Generation” effect. Many of her current U20 players, including captain Fasila Adhiambo and Valarie Nekesa, were part of the historic U17 squad that played in the Dominican Republic last year. They aren’t just talented; they are “World Cup tested.”
3. The Return Leg: Mission Dar es Salaam
The Rising Starlets travel to the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam for the return leg on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Tanzania’s coach, Marco Kazobe, has already fired shots, blaming the Ulinzi pitch for his team’s poor showing and promising a “different game” on the standard surface at Chamazi. Juma, ever the tactician, remains unbothered. Her focus is on tactical continuity—a philosophy shared with U17 coach Mildred Cheche—ensuring that as players move from the “Junior” to “Rising” Starlets, the system remains the same.
