One last push as Harambee Starlets seek AFCON ticket away to Botswana

The women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets, are scheduled to battle it out with a strong Botswana side in the final round of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying match on Tuesday afternoon at the Botswana National Stadium in Gaborone.

The first leg which was staged in Nairobi a week ago ended in a 1-1 draw with Starlets missing a last-minute penalty that could have put them in a better position of booking a ticket to the continental showpiece which will be held in Morocco for only the second time in their history.

Since a barren draw in Gaborone would make them bow out, the Kenyan women have no option than to win the match or pick up a high scoring draw that would send them through on away goals.

Play here to place your bet on the Luton Town vs Arsenal game on SportPesa

Speaking ahead of the eagerly anticipated game, Starlets overcall captain Dorcas Shikobe expressed confidence of getting the job done despite the odds stacked against them.

“We feel we can still win this match. Our plan is to win this African qualifier and return home with these three points. I would like to urge our fans to remain calm and believe in our abilities like they have always done,” commented the experienced defender.

When asked on how players have dealt psychologically with the last-minute spot kick miss, Shikobe divulged that they have handled it well.

ALSO READ: Reprieve for Gor Mahia as SDT issues stay order on FKF sanction

“We have psyched ourselves up because losing a penalty is something that can happen to any player. We are not the first ones to have such an experience. Anyone could have lost that spot kick. So, it is a mistake that we have rectified in training and we are ready,” she added.

On her part, head coach Beldin Odemba stated that the squad has gelled unlike last time and they are ready for the showdown.

“The girls have trained together which was also an issue. Like we said in the last press conference, they had not trained together.

ALSO READ: Kenya shocks the world after beating hosts Egypt to lift Africa Cup Final

We have seen who can play with who, who is ready and they have prepared for the match. Believe. The girls believe, and so as the 12th men, help them believe,” Odemba noted.

The Mares of Botswana would be seeking a chance to make a second consecutive WAFCON appearance while Kenya are hoping to return to the tournament after a long hiatus.

Starlets made their maiden appearance at the event in 2016 with winger Mwahalima “Dogo” Adam missing out due to educational related reasons back then.

The game will kick off at 1600EAT.

ALSO READ: Christmas comes early for 27 Million SportPesa Midweek Jackpot winner

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