Starlets takes positives from disastrous AWCON debut

Harambee Starlets assistant captain Wendy Achieng believes the national team have taken valuable lessons from the 2016 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Debutants Kenya came into the competition with a semi-final finish target but ended up losing all their three Group B matches at Limbe Omnisports Stadium.

The Starlets wrapped up the competition with a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Super Falcons of Nigeria on Saturday night after an early elimination following their identical defeat of 3-1 to Ghana and Mali in the opening two matches.

Nigeria capitalised on sloppy Kenyan defence to take an early two-goal lead within seven minutes through Ngozi Okobi and Faith Ikidi’s goals. Prolific Arsenal Ladies striker then took her goals tally to five with a clinical strike seven minutes into the second half before substitute Desire Oparanozie completed the rout with an injury time goal.

While Kenya were too excited to make their debut in African nation football’s elite competition, inexperience, defensive and goalkeeping errors cost them dearly as they conceded ten times and scored only twice.

But having rubbed shoulders with some star players like Oshoala, Achieng admits they have gained more experience to participate in future competitions.

“It is a good experience, especially for our last match against Nigeria. Many didn’t expect this score line, but I am glad we put up a spirited fight even after conceding two early goals. Sharing the same pitch with players like Oshoala has really inspired us and we also feel challenged that we can also reach her level. But it takes a lot to be a top player; you need to work extra hard and believe in yourself,” the Spedag defender told Feverpitch.

“This is not the end of everything. This tournament has given us another opportunity to grow and as we go back home, we need to build on from this experience, rectify our mistakes and start a fresh. We have learnt a lot and gained experience from the three matches we have had.”

Asked about their main undoing in the tournament, Achieng said: “Every day is a learning process and in every match everyone gave her best. After the first match, we saw what happened and learnt from it, that’s how we managed to face the second and third matches. We learn from every situation we have from every game.”

Achieng’s sentiments were echoed by her coach David Ouma, who feels that Kenya has a brighter future.