Women Africa Cup of Nations: Harambee Starlets geared up and ready for Cameroon

Harambee Stars defender Janet Moraa in action during a friendly match against Kenya Police Bullets at Kasarani Annex on Wednesday. [FKF Media]

National women’s national team, Harambee Starlets, has intensified their preparations ahead of their upcoming two-legged 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.

Harambee Starlets is scheduled to depart for Cameroon on Tuesday, in preparation for their first leg match, which is set for September 22 in Douala.

The team will then return home on September 24 in time for the second leg match on September 26.

Currently, 23 players have already reported to the camp that opened on Sunday, with more foreign-based players expected to link up with the team on Sunday.

As part of their ongoing preparation, the team played against Kenya Police Bullets today and secured a 1-0 victory at Kasarani Annex.

Starlets coach Beldine Odemba expressed her optimism and satisfaction with the preparations.

“The camp is progressing well, and we are awaiting the arrival of international players like Mwanahalima Dogo, Jentrix Shikangwa, Esse Akida, among others. They bring experience to the team and can instill confidence in the new call-ups.

 “Our objective is to be proactive in Cameroon, focusing on goal-scoring rather than adopting a defensive strategy,” Odemba said.

South Korean-based forward Tereza Engesha joined the squad on Wednesday.

Should Harambee Starlets emerge as the aggregate winners of the two-legged qualifier, they will face either Gabon or Botswana in the second round, scheduled between November 27 and December 5.

The victor of the second round will secure automatic qualification for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco.