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Triumphant
Harambee starlets were accorded a heroic welcome at Jommo Kenyatta
International Airport in the wee hours of Friday morning after landing from
Tunisia.
The Kenyan
beauties led by head coach Beldine Odemba could not hide their joy after beating
hosts Tunisia 1-0 on Wednesday, February 28, 2025, to book their ticket for the
2026 women Afcon final round qualifier, having played to a 0-0 draw in the
reverse fixture last week Friday.
Football
Kenya Federation of Kenya President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy Mc Donald Mariga led
the welcome party alongside officials from the Sports ministry at 2.00 am.
Woman of the
moment head coach Beldine Odemba received her flowers from Hussein
and a warm hug as the worn out heroines joined traditional dancers who
entertained them to a jig on.
The victory
at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunis was historic as it was the first
Starlets victory in the qualifiers in North Africa in 19 years.
Odemba said
they had a good plan at Ulinzi complex last week despite failing to score, but
they were tactically better than the Tunisians in both legs, and that’s why they
won.
The
tactician who doubles up as the FKF Women Premier League champion’s boss came
under fire from fans and pundits for her fielding and substitutions during the
first leg and dedicated the win to their supporters.
She added
that she might be the pilot, but the win is important for the country.
“We did not win to silence anyone, we won for
our own glory, and to show that something is happening in Kenyan football. We
won because we have the support, and we
were ready to win the first round of the qualifiers," said Odemba.
Odemba also
thanked FKF president Hussein Mohammed for the support and believes they have
what it takes to beat the Gambians to grab their ticket to Morocco.
She also
expects two friendlies during the April and June 2025 FIFA international break
in preparation for Gambians between October 20 and 28 this year.
Meanwhile, Simba
Queens midfielder Corazon Aqcuino, who played a big role in both legs, said they
promised the fans to rectify their first-leg mistakes and clinch the ticket, and
they were happy to have achieved it.
“Our coach
told us to fight for three points in every game; of course, qualifiers are not
easy, so we will work hard to achieve this. We are targeting our second
appearance in the continental tournament, and we will do our best to grab the
ticket.” Said Aquino.
The team
will break camp before regrouping for the final round against Gambia, who
overcame Niger 2-1 lead, for a 4-1 aggregate to qualify.
Meanwhile, FKF president Hussein congratulated the starlets for making Kenya proud and promised to offer all the necessary support to qualify for the continental showpiece.