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NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

CAF announces Starlets withdraw

Football

By Mike Kihaki | Jan 29, 2022

**Harambee Starlets' celebrating their win against South Sudan in the Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers match at the Nyayo National Stadium, Oct 20, 2021.** [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Harambee Starlet hopes of qualifying for the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Morocco was on Saturday afternoon dashed after the Confederation of African Federation announced that Kenya had officially withdrawn from the competition.

The Kenya women's national football team had hoped of making their maiden appearance at this year’s African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) in Morocco.

In a statement published on its official website, CAF also confirmed Uganda as first team to qualify for the 2022 AWCON finals in Morocco. The tournament to be held in July will bring together 12 teams from the continent.

"In a correspondence to CAF, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) announced their withdrawal from the qualifiers of TotalEnergies Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2022," read a statement from CAF.

"The double-header between Kenya and Uganda initially scheduled in February 2022 as part of the last qualifying round is therefore canceled.

"Uganda become the first team to join hosts Morocco for the final phase of the tournament which will be played from 2 to 23 July 2022.

“The Women's Africa Cup of Nations will bring together 12 of the continent's best teams for the title of African champions.”

The decision comes hours after the ministry of Sports, Culture and Heritage through the minister Dr. Amina Mohammed continue assuring the nation that all was well for the team.

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In a press statement sent to newsrooms, Dr. Amina said the national women's team is already in camp preparing for the first leg in Kampala, Uganda set for February 17, 2022 and the return leg in Nairobi five days later.

“I wish to assure all stakeholders that the ministry is doing everything possible to contact the relevant authorities at the confederation of African Football (CAF) and the world football body, FIFA. Harambee Starlets will continue with their preparation as we seek to correct this misrepresentation,” said Dr. Amina.

The CS further noted that the ministry has mobilized every resource under the guidance of the FKF Caretaker Committee led by Justice Aaron Ringera to ensure Harambee Starlets are ready for the fixture against the neighbouring counterparts.

“Amb. Amina reiterated that Starlets have worked very hard to get to the hurdle to the AWCON finals in Morocco later in the year and any attempt to interfere with that must be condemned and not be allowed to succeed “Anyone found to have been involved in any such attempt will be held fully accountable,” said Amina.?