NAIROBI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's junior football team will carry an advantage in their return leg match against Ethiopia in their qualifier for the 2018 FIFA under 20 Women's World Cup.
With a 2-2 draw, Kenya hold a small edge over Ethiopia and will require a 1-1 draw or a win of any margin to secure their place in the next phase where the winner will have to battle with either Algeria or Ghana in another two-legged tie.
"It is not easy to secure a draw away coming from two goals down. It was unfortunate to concede early but the fighting spirit the team showed has convinced me they are capable of bigger challenges," said Musa Otieno, who was part of the team's technical bench.
Kenya's next assignment against Ethiopia in the 2018 FIFA under 20 Women's World Cup qualifiers will be played in Machakos on Sept. 29.
The Harambee Starlets fought their way up from goal down to draw 2-2 with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday, meaning that they carry two advantageous away goals heading into next week's return leg.
Coach Otieno lauded the team work and focus the team showed when pinned against all odds saying he is hopeful they will record success in the return match.
"Our focus now is on the second leg and hopefully, we will get positive results and progress to the second round," said the coach.
This was Starlets second game in the qualification process, as they beat the Zebras of Botswana 7-1 in the opening round of qualification away at the Lobatse Sports Complex on July 21.
Botswana did not honor the return leg match giving the Kenyan side a through ticket to the next phase.
