No gate charges as Harambee Starlets host Cameroon in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

©FKF

FOOTBALL No gate charges as Harambee Starlets host Cameroon in Africa Cup of Nations qualifier

Festus Chuma 13:38 - 24.09.2023

Harambee Starlets aim to overturn a deficit as they face Cameroon in a vital Women's Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier with free entry for supporters.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has announced the waiver of gate charges for the Harambee Starlets’ Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier clash against Cameroon. 

The move is aimed at rallying enthusiastic fans and well-wishers behind the team's pursuit of a second-ever appearance at the prestigious WAFCON tournament.

Fans from all walks of life will have the unique opportunity to witness this thrilling encounter free of charge as the Nyayo Stadium gates open at 12 noon on Tuesday, September 26.

In an effort to engage and inspire the next generation of football stars, schools, and academies have also been cordially invited, with a designated sitting area reserved exclusively for them.

The first leg of this epic showdown, which took place on Friday, September 22, in Douala, saw Harambee Starlets narrowly fall to their Cameroonian rivals, with a single goal making the difference. 

Eliane Mambalano, a formidable defender from CD Getafe Femenino, etched her name into the history books by scoring the decisive goal in the first half. 

The striker’s remarkable connection to a high ball from a set piece left Kenyan goalkeeper Annette Kundu with no chance as the Central Africans seized an early lead at home.

Despite the initial setback, the indomitable spirit of Harambee Starlets burns brighter than ever as they return to their home soil from Cameroon on Sunday, September 24.

Harambee Starlets, under the guidance of head coach Beldine Odemba, are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of a coveted WAFCON appearance. 

The stakes are high as the winner of this qualifier will go on to face the winner of another exciting showdown between Botswana and Gabon.

The aggregate winners of these two-legged qualifiers will earn the coveted prize of automatic qualification for the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations, which is set to be hosted in Morocco. The prospect of competing on such a grand stage is driving the Starlets to give their all in the upcoming match.

Should Harambee Starlets advance to the second round, the matches will be scheduled to take place between November 27 and December 5, 2023.