Starlets new head coach has raised eyebrows with her squad for the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers by omitting notable players.
Newly appointed Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled her 30-player provisional squad in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON) clash against Cameroon.
This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to kick off with the first leg in Cameroon on Friday, September 22, 2023, followed by the return leg on home turf on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
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However, as is often the case with such squad announcements, Odemba's selections have sparked intense debate and discussion among fans and pundits alike.
In particular, the focus has shifted to notable omissions from the roster—players who have been left out despite their previous contributions and potential impact in their teams performance.
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These exclusions have raised eyebrows and generated a whirlwind of speculation surrounding Odemba's decision-making.
In this article, we delve into the three most significant absences from Odemba's 30-player squad.
Lilian Awuor
Lilian Awuor is an experienced goalkeeper who plies her trade in France Division 2 with Association Sportive Jeunesse de Soyaux Charente.
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Known for her exceptional reflexes and consistent performance in her league, Awuor brings a wealth of international experience to the table.
Her omission from the Harambee Starlets' squad is quite surprising, given her ability to make critical saves and her familiarity with high-pressure situations.
One could argue that her absence might be attributed to the coach's preference for younger talents or a tactical decision to focus on different goalkeepers, but her exclusion leaves a void in terms of experience between the goalposts.
Desma Nyawade
Desma Nyawade, the talented attacker from Kispend Queens, had shown her prowess in the FKF Women's Cup with her impressive performances.
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Known for her agility and goal-scoring ability, Nyawade was expected by many to be a strong contender for a spot in Beldine Odemba's Harambee Starlets squad.
However, her omission from the 30-player provisional squad has raised eyebrows. It's possible that Coach Odemba had to make tough decisions based on the team's overall strategy and balance.
Perhaps she preferred other players with a different style of play or specific attributes that she believed would better serve the team's goals for the upcoming Africa Women Cup of Nations.
Monalizer Anyango
Monalizer Anyango, the midfielder from Zetech Sparks, is another notable omission from the squad.
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She is known for her ball control and playmaking abilities, which could have added creativity to the team's midfield.
However, Coach Odemba might have opted for other midfielders who fit her tactical approach better.
It is crucial to remember that squad selections are often influenced by factors beyond individual talent, such as team chemistry, playing style, and fitness levels.
While Monalizer Anyango is undoubtedly a talented player, Coach Odemba might have seen other players as better fits for the squad's needs.