Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma has expressed confidence her team will capitalise on home advantage to eliminate Ethiopia Sunday.

Kenya have named a strong starting lineup as the Rising Starlets prepare to battle Ethiopia in the decisive return leg of their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup second-round qualifier at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday.

 Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 pm, with the home side banking on crowd support and their away-goal advantage.

The Starlets return to Nairobi with momentum after securing a crucial 1-1 draw in Addis Ababa last weekend. 

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Forward Elizabeth Mideva gave Kenya a dream start by scoring within the first minute, capitalising on a rebound just 37 seconds into the match. Ethiopia, however, equalised in the second half through Daniel Emush, leaving the tie finely balanced.

Head coach Jackline Juma believes her team has both the confidence and tactical awareness to finish the job on home soil.

“We thank God for the away goal — that’s a plus for us,” Juma said in her pre-match remarks.

“At home, we have to be more composed, especially at the back. We’ve identified areas to work on, particularly our defensive line and link-up play in attack.”

Kenya showed dominance in the first half of the away fixture, controlling possession and pressing Ethiopia high. 

However, a lapse in concentration allowed the hosts to level, something Juma is determined to avoid this time. She emphasised the importance of striking early once again, while ensuring her defence remains compact throughout the 90 minutes.

Defender Halima Imbachi, expected to be a key figure if introduced, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion.

“We started strongly in Addis and matched them well despite the crowd and weather,” Imbachi said.

“In Nairobi, we have the advantage. We’ll do much better in front of our home fans.”

The Starlets’ starting lineup reflects both experience and attacking intent. Between the posts is Christine Adhiambo Otieno, shielded by a backline of Ruth Akinyi, Lorine Ilavonga, Patience Asiko and Vidah Akeyo. 

The midfield will be anchored by captain Fasila Adhiambo, alongside Pearl Olesi and Rebecca Odato Orute, providing stability and creativity. In attack, Mideva is joined by Diana Ochol and Valarie Nekesa, offering pace and goal-scoring threat.

On the bench, Juma has solid options including goalkeeper Ephy Awuor, defender Imbachi, and forwards Triza Sheryl and Lornah Faith Wasike, giving her flexibility to adjust depending on the match’s flow.

The stakes are high, with the aggregate winner advancing to the third round in February 2026. There, they will face the winner between Tanzania and Angola as the road to the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia continues.

Christine Adhiambo Otieno, Ruth Akinyi, Lorine Ilavonga, Patience Asiko, Vidah Akeyo, Pearl Olesi, Rebecca Odato Orute, Fasila Adhiambo (C), Diana Ochol, Valarie Nekesa, Elizabeth Mideva

 Substitutes: Ephy Awuor, Triza Sheryl, Halima Imbachi, Edina Nasipwondi, Lornah Faith Wasike, Mitchelle Waithera, Emily Morang’a