DUO EAGER TO IMPRESS: Akoth, Adera keen to have a good run in debut for Starlets in AWCON

Kenya Harambee Starlets players celebrates their win against Ethiopia's Lucy during their Cecafa senior women Championship semi finals in Jinja on Sunday 18/09/16.PHOTO.BONIFACE OKENDO

Harambee Starlets’ duo of Thika Queens midfielder Lydia Akoth and Vihiga Queens defender Lilian Adera are itching to make their full senior team debuts when the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) kicks off this weekend in Cameroon.

The tenth edition of the women’s continental extravaganza kicks off today with hosts and 2014 losing finalists Cameroon taking on Egypt in the tournament’s Group B opening match at 3.30pm (local time), at Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaound? before paving way for South Africa-Zimbabwe tie at 6.30pm at the same venue.

Akoth and Adera were the surprise call-ups in the coach David Ouma’s 21-member squad for their debut tournament. Kenya have been pooled in a Group of Death (B) against against nine time champions Nigeria, three time runners up Ghana and regulars Mali.

Kenya will open their continental campaign tomorrow against Ghana at Stade Municipal de Limbe, in Limbe before facing Mali (November 23) and champions Nigeria (November 26) in their last two preliminary fixtures.

Despite the pedigree of their opponents, the pair wants to make an impression as Starlets aim for a semi-final finish.

Akoth admitted that a chance to play in the continent’s final competition is an exciting opportunity. “We have had one of the best ever preparations and it’s my hope that we will be able to translate that preparation into good performance. We have been considered as underdogs, but we are determined to prove critics wrong and at least progress to the semis,” she said.

“It is a dream come true to make the team for the first time and for a tournament of AWCON calibre. I didn’t get the call up by chance, I proved myself. I am really looking forward to the tournament. I don’t feel any pressure and I can’t wait for it to start. We are well prepared and focused to face any opponent. Of course there are nerves and some excitement but we just can’t wait until kick-off.”

Just like Akoth, Adera, who previously featured for the national junior side, cannot wait for the tournament to start.

“First we believe in ourselves. This is a historic moment for the women’s football in Kenya all of us have been waiting for-everybody is eager to impress. It has not been an easy journey, but we deserve to be here. If we reach the semis it will be a great achievement not only for us but the whole country,” Adera said.