CAF postpones AWCON qualifiers

Harambee Starlets's Gentrix Shikangwa (R) dribbles past Malawi's Sabina Thom during their 2020 Olympics Qualifier second leg match at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on September 1, 2019. [Stafford Ondego, The Standard]

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has postponed the 2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers scheduled to take place in June this year.

The AWCON qualifiers will now be held in October and February next year for the second round of clashes.

According to CAF, the state of stadia in Africa and COVID-19 restrictions led to the postponement.

"The first round will now take place in the FIFA window of Oct. 18-26 and the second round will be taken place in the FIFA window of Feb. 14-23, next year," read a letter signed by Anthony Baffoe, CAF Deputy General Secretary in charge of football and development, on Wednesday.

"The reasons for the postponement were based on the actual conditions of certain stadiums in Africa and the restrictions related to COVID-19," the letter added.

There is a growing sense of optimism within Harambee Starlets squad as they prepare for the AWCON qualifiers and 2023 World Cup Qualifiers.

AWCON will be held in Morocco next year, while Australia and New Zealand will co-host the World Cup finals in 2023.

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed the appointment of Charles Okere as the new head coach of the Kenya women's national football team in April. 

Coach Okere took over from David Ouma who left on mutual consent. Ouma was later confirmed by Football Kenya Federation Premier League side Sofapaka FC as their assistant coach.

Harambee Starlets' Mercy Airo being administered the Covid-19 vaccine. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]