Harambee Starlets head coach will be seeking an away win
against their Tunisian counterparts in the second leg of the 2026 Women African
Cup of nation’s qualifier in Tunis on Wednesday.
Starlets played to a barren draw against the "The
Eagles of Carthage" at Ulinzi complex, Nairobi last week Friday and must win by at least one goal to nil to move to the next round.
Despite Odemba having 10 foreign-based players at her
disposal, she has to get her best 11 who can do the job in 90 minutes.
Top of her agenda will be ensuring her frontline gets their
scoring boots having failed to get the back of the net in Nairobi, despite
dominating the game, backed by the home support at Ulinzi complex.
Captain Dorcas Shikobe will marshall the defence
alongside Enez Mango, Ruth Ingotsi and Janet
Mumo who will be seeking her second cup having had an impressive debut last week.
Corazon Aquino and Lavender Akinyi will play as a double pivot with Fasila Adhiambo
playing the advanced role.
However, Odemba will likely shake her frontline after Mwanahalima Adam, Elizabeth
Wambui and makeshift striker Cynthia Shilwatso failed to live up to
expectations
Instead, proven goal scorers Jentrix Shikanga, Faith Mboya,
Rebecca Okwaro, Janet Bundi and Voilet
Nanjala will be front runners for starting slots.
Despite the backlash from football fans and pundits over
her fielding, Odemba will be hoping to get it right.
During her post-match interview, Odemba said they expect the
Tunisians to play open football that will allow more space to attack.
"We played well. Tactically, we were better than them.
We created a lot of chances; it's only that we could not take them. The match
in Tunisia will be a different game, Tunisia will open the game, and we will also
play an open game because we want to score goals,” said Odemba
The team arrived in Tunis last night and will have her
first training session this evening.
The match kicks off at 4 pm tomorrow, at the 4 0,000 seater Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunis.
