‘GO BEAT CAMEROON’

Kenya Harambee Starlets coach instruct Cheris Avilia during their opening match against Uganda Crested Cranes during their Cecafa Senior Women Championship in Jinja, Uganda on Sunday 11/09/16.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma is looking forward to the international friendly against Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) finals hosts Cameroon on Saturday at Kasarani Stadium.

Starlets jet back this morning from Morocco where they have been away for one week in preparation for the continental show-piece set to start on November 19 to December 3 in Limbe and Yaounde.

While in Morocco, Harambee Starlets registered a comfortable 6-1 win over Chabab Atlas Khenifra on Monday evening with Neddy Atieno grabbing a hat- trick.

Mary Kinuthia, Elizabeth Ambogo and Christine Nafula scored a goal a piece.

With the hat-trick, Atieno added her goal tally to four from two matches, the same number of goals for Nafula.

“We have had a great training camp here in Morocco and I know we have a tough task ahead of us.

“Our friendly match against Cameroon will be a good one for the team in terms of preparation and I know it won’t be an easier one because Cameroon has consistently qualified for Cup of Nations and also the World Cup.

“Our plan is to contain Cameroon and possibly strive to convert the chances that come our way. It will be a good match and we will be able realise our strengths and gauge our players before coming up with the final squad that will play at the AWCON finals,” Ouma said.

The tactician believes the national side has had good preparations ahead of the maiden appearance at the continental event, adding that there has been growth in the team.

Ouma praised young goal stopper Lilian Awuor, a Form Three student at Nyakach High School who was given her debut in the match against Wydad Casablanca on Sunday, adding that there is need to integrate her in the team to get the much needed exposure.

“Our training camp in Morocco has been great because there are good conditions here, the same conditions that we will find in Limbe. I also want to commend Awuor for showing confidence on her debut against Wydad and I will still give her a chance in the remaining matches to fight for her place in the team,” he said.

Ouma also confirmed he will be unveiling his 21-member final squad in the next few days.
Upon arrival from Morocco, the team will head straight to camp at Kasarani Stadium in preparation for the Cameroon clash and another build-up match against North Africans Egypt set for October 28.

This will be the first time Kenya will face Cameroon, but it will be the second time they are playing against Egypt following their international friendly match in 2015 where the Egyptians posted a 1-0 win at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos in preparation for the Olympic qualifiers.