Beldine Odemba's optimism soars as Harambee Starlets touch down in Cameroon

FOOTBALL: Beldine Odemba's optimism soars as Harambee Starlets touch down in Cameroon

Festus Chuma 17:45 - 20.09.2023

Harambee Starlets arrived in Cameroon brimming with optimism for crucial WAFCON qualifiers against formidable Cameroon.

Harambee Starlets  head coach Beldine Odemba has expressed her team's readiness and optimism as they prepare to face Cameroon in the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

 The first leg of this high-stakes encounter is slated for Friday, September 22, at the illustrious Reunification Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.

Having arrived in Cameroon on Tuesday, the Kenyan squad was greeted with a warm reception, setting the tone for their crucial match against formidable opponents.

Speaking about their arrival, coach Odemba  shared her team's sentiments, saying  her charges are hopeful ahead of the clash.

 "We are glad to be here in Cameroon. We arrived this morning to a warm reception. We have been assisted logistically from the airport to the hotel. We are happy to be here and very optimistic as a team,” the said.

Cameroon, with a rich history in women's football, has consistently been a strong contender in the WAFCON. Odeba acknowledged their formidable opponents, stating, "Cameroon has participated in a number of WAFCON when it was AWCON, and we also participated once, so we know how it goes." 

The experience gained from previous tournaments has undoubtedly contributed to the preparedness of both teams for this critical showdown.

Odeba further highlighted the meticulous preparations her team has undergone, emphasizing their technical readiness for the clash. "Technically, we have prepared well, and the team is ready. We want to know how it goes," she confidently stated. 

The stakes are high in this two-legged qualifier, as the aggregate winners will move on to the second round, scheduled between November 27 and December 5, 2023. 

If Harambee Starlets emerge victorious in this stage, they will secure automatic qualification for the prestigious 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, set to be hosted in Morocco.

The journey to this pivotal moment for Harambee Starlets began on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, when they departed for Cameroon.

They are determined to give their all in the first leg match and will fly back home on Sunday, September 24, 2023, just in time for their second leg clash on September 26, 2023.

Tags: