Under pressure Beldine Odemba rallies Harambee Starlets ahead of make or break Botswana return leg

Photo credit || FKF

Under pressure Beldine Odemba rallies Harambee Starlets ahead of make or break Botswana return leg

Mark Kinyanjui 07:30 - 04.12.2023

Starlets jetted out of the country Sunday morning, fired up for the rematch set for Tuesday in Gaborone, and coach Odemba has sent them an inspiring message.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has challenged her troops to focus on facing the Botswana players and think less about the crowd, describing the chances of the side qualifying for next year’s Women African Cup of Nations  ( WAFCON) tournament in Morocco as “doable” despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Botswana earlier this week.

Starlets jetted out of the country Sunday morning, fired up for the rematch set for Tuesday in Gaborone.

Odemba has expressed confidence that Starlets have got what it takes to win away from home and secure a place in the continental showpiece.

During the team’s last training on Saturday morning, Odemba hinted at ringing changes in the starting team, after reviewing the Friday proceedings.

“As I said in the last press briefing, some players came in late and did not get a chance to train with the rest. Some only had a feel of the pitch before our first leg, but now they have trained and we have seen who can blend with who, and also who is ready. We are therefore well prepared,” said Odemba.

The coach, who also steers Kenya Women Premier League side Police Bullets, has insisted their firmly in contention for the ticket.

“We have trained more and we feel that we can, so we are ready to push. It is not a difficult match, neither is it a difficult one. It is very doable. We have told the players to have it in mind it is the players they be up against and not the crowd, as a way of dealing with the away match mentality."

Should Harambee Starlets emerge as the aggregate winners of the two-legged qualifier, they qualify for the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations, making their second appearance in seven years.

Kenya overcame Cameroon in the previous round, raising expectations of making it to the continental fiesta. The team will  fly back home on Wednesday, December 6, 2023.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu, Caroline Rufa, Lilian Awuor

 Defenders

Ruth Ingosi, Phoebe Owiti, Juliet Andibo, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Ann Lavender, Dorcas Shikobe

 Midfielders

Corazone Aquino, Ketsia Ngaira, Lorna Nyarinda, Marjolene Nekesa, Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo, Sheryl Angachi

 Forwards

Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Airine Madalina, Elizabeth Wambui, Janet Bundi, Rebecca Okwaro

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