Ouma cautious after Starlets land in ‘Group of death’

CECAFA SENIOR WOMEN CHAMPIONSHIP IN JINJA UGANDA Kenya Harambee Starlets players have their supper at Mada Hotel in Jinja, Uganda during their Cecafa senior women Championship on Sunday 18/09/16.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

The Kenya women's football team head coach has remained cautious after Kenya was drawn in a tough group during the 2016 draws of the Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) finals.

In the draw held on Sunday evening in Yaoundé, Cameroon, Harambee Starlets were pooled in Group B alongside defending champions Nigeria, Ghana and Mali. Group A has hosts Cameroon, South Africa, Egypt and Zimbabwe.

In an interview with Feverpitch after the draw, Ouma said once they qualified for the finals, he knew the journey was not going to be easy considering this would be their maiden appearance in the continental showdown.

“I was keen on knowing the results of the draw. They came moments after we qualified for the Cecafa final against Tanzania. The moment we eliminated Algeria in the AWCON qualifiers, we knew it wouldn’t be an easy task. But as a team and a nation, we are glad that we are taking part in the matches. It doesn’t matter who we have been pooled against; the most important thing is for us to try and enjoy the game, raise women's football in the country and chase better rankings by Fifa.

"In terms of preparations, we are happy with everything. Teams we played against in the Cecafa tournament have shown little respect for us and it was a good way of preparing for the African showpiece. I am confident enough that our mental state in this tournament will be the same one we carry to the Nations Cup,” said Ouma.

The tactician, however, admitted that the dominance of West African nations cannot be underrated, saying teams from West Africa enjoyed a superior form compared to other countries.

“West African sides have dominated Africa for a long time but the difference is that my players are based at home while most of their West African counterparts take part in competitive leagues in different parts of the world.

"We need to prepare well and I have always told my players to remain focused. I know West Africans players are more physical and they have the ability to fight for the game."

The opening match of the championships will be between Cameroon and Egypt on November 19.