Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has exuded confidence in her team to overturn the 1-0 deficit against Cameroon in the return leg of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) first round qualifier on Tuesday afternoon.
Starlets suffered a narrow loss and will have to beat Cameroon by two goal margin or win 1-0 so as to go straight to penalties and sail through at Nyayo National Stadium.
“The spirits are high in camp and the girls are really pushing themselves to get a good result. We did well in Cameroon and suffered a slim loss. I believe it is something that we can recover. The plan at home is to turn the tables. When you play at home you have to give your best,” the tactician stated.
She added, “The team played well against Cameroon, we did lose with a very slim margin and we can recover. We played according to the game plan, maybe a little bit feeling of being away got in but we played well and we expect a good match”.
Odemba further called on football fans to turn up in large numbers and cheer them on, as they seek to tumbledown the Indomitable Lions at home and keep their Cup of Nations hopes alive.
“I’m giving a rallying call to our fans to come out in large numbers and support our girls. The morale and mood in the camp is so high and I believe we can recover from the loss. Girls need to be supported by fans and if they come at large in the field then they will add flavour in the match.”
The aggregate winner of the return leg will proceed to the final round of qualifiers and could face either Gabon or Botswana with Botswana enjoying a 4-1 lead from the first leg away in Libreville.
Maria Packuita Cynquela from Mauritius will be the centre referee, with Windy Rhamboro (Mauritius) and Bernadettar Asimenye (Malawi) will be first and second assistant referees, respectively.