By OUR CORRESPONDENTThe Kenya women’s national team, Harambee Starlets, on Thursday, stepped up preparations for their upcoming two-legged 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.
The team reported for their residential training at Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani on Sunday.
Currently, 23 players have reported to camp, with the international players expected to start joining the squad on Sunday, September 17, 2023.
As part of their ongoing preparation, the team played against Kenya Police Bullets today and secured a 1-0 victory at Kasarani Annex.
Head Coach Beldine Odemba expressed her optimism, stating, “The camp is progressing well, and we are awaiting the arrival of international players like Mwanahalima Dogo, Jentrix Shikangwa, Esse Akida, among others. They bring experience to the team and can instill confidence in the new call-ups.”
She went on to emphasize the team’s approach, saying: “Our objective is to be proactive in Cameroon, focusing on goal-scoring rather than adopting a defensive strategy.”
South Korean-based forward Tereza Engesha joined the squad on Wednesday evening.
Harambee Starlets is scheduled to depart for Cameroon on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in preparation for their first leg match, which is set to be played on Friday, September 22, 2023, in Douala. The team will return home on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in time for the second leg match on September 26, 2023.
Should Harambee Starlets emerge as the aggregate winners of the two-legged qualifier, they will face either Gabon or Botswana in the second round, scheduled between November 27 and December 5, 2023.
The victor of the second round will secure automatic qualification for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco. Ends
