Harambee Starlets Begin WAFCON Qualification Journey Against Tunisia’s Eagles of Carthage

Harambee Starlets quest to qualify for next year's Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) begins on Friday when they take on Tunisia's “Eagles of Carthage” at Ulinzi Complex. Harambee Starlets failed to book a slot in last year's 2024 edition after falling short to Botswana, who overpowered them with an aggregate score of 2-1.

The Starlets have managed to qualify only once for this prestigious competition, which was in 2016 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. However, they were eliminated in the group stages. They were last in Group B as they lost all their group matches to Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali while scoring only twice.

On either side, their opponents, “Eagles of Carthage,” who are 78 in the FIFA ranking, have managed to qualify thrice; first in 2008, second in 2022, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals with a solitary goal by South Africa. They will feature in this year's edition as they qualified after sinking Congo on an aggregate score of 6-2.

Beldine Odemba's coached side has been putting in determined preparations in their quest for qualifications. A provisional squad of 36 players was named, but only 30 have been in the camp. 11 players who ply their trade outside the country were also included in the squad. Young players, such as the U17 captain, Elizabeth Ochaka, have also been included in the squad.

In the preparations for the match, the team played three friendlies, and they came out victorious on two occasions and lost once. They won against the KWPL defending champions, Kenya Police Bullets, with a 2-1 scoreline as Fasila Adhiambo and Emily Moranga were on the score sheet. They sank the university side, Ztech Sparks, by a humiliating scoreline of 6-0. Naivas Youth silenced them with a 4-2 scoreline. With these results, the tactician Beldine Odemba believes his side is ready to silence the North African giant.

Beldine Odemba has rallied the fans to turn out in large numbers and support the team as they will be playing at home.

“We are hereby urging our fans to come and support the girls to boost their morale.”

Having the home advantage, the coach believes that it will catalyze her side to put in the determined results and win the tie in the first leg. “We are glad we will play at home in the first leg, giving us confidence.”

The return leg will be played 4 days later, in Tunis, Tunisia.

Feature Image Credit: Harambee Starlets