Photo Credit - Football Kenya Federation.
Kenya’s women national team coach Beldine Odemba has maintained that Harambee Starlets were the better side despite the 0-0 draw against Tunisia in their first leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday.
The closely contested encounter saw both sides create chances but failed to break the deadlock, setting up a high-stakes return leg in Tunis on February 26, 2025. Starlets had promising moments in attack, carving out several goal-scoring opportunities but struggled to apply the finishing touch.
With the tie still wide open, Harambee Starlets will shift focus to the away fixture, where the aggregate winner will advance to the final qualification round to face either Niger or Gambia.
Speaking after the game, coach Odemba promised a different ball game when they travel to Tunisia for the return leg.
“We played well and were very tactical in our approach. We created numerous chances, especially from the wings, but we couldn’t capitalise on them. When we go to Tunisia, it will be a different game. We will review this match to assess what worked and what we need to improve for the second leg,” Odemba told reporters after the game.
Meanwhile, Starlets midfielder Corazon Aquino remained confident that Kenya will still beat Tunisia away and qualify. “I think we controlled most of the game, but luck wasn’t on our side in converting chances.
“We’ve identified our weaknesses and still have time to make adjustments. Our focus now is on improving our finishing before the second leg.”
Harambee Starlets last featured at the WAFCON in 2016.
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