Date with destiny: Starlets face The Gambia with AWCON ticket at stake

Harambee Starlets face The Gambia this evening from 7:00pm at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal seeking a ticket to next year's AWCON Final set for Morocco.

The Starlets need a draw of any kind to sail through as they hold a two-goal lead following a 3-1 victory in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.

Alex Alumirah, who previously handled the team, has warned against complacency, urging the players to approach the match with the right mentality to avoid any shock from the Gambians.

“We shouldn’t go into the match with a mentality that we are already through because football is a game of 90 minutes and it is always not over until it is over. We should be cautious and getting an early goal will give us a big advantage,” Alumirah told Citizen Digital.

The coach, who handled the national team in 2022, believes the girls have what it takes to qualify for the tournament.

“It is a psychological game but we have an upper hand, we just have to keep on working because we can see the quality the team possesses and the potential they have. I believe we shall sail through,” Alumirah added.

He has also urged the players to utilize their chances to put the game to bed early after failing to convert a couple in the first leg.

“I cannot really blame them for a couple of chances they wasted in the first leg because such games come with pressure. Having handled such games before, I would only urge them to relax and take on their chances and get an early goal. That will give us control of the game.”

During the first leg, Odemba, known for her ability to give chances to young players even in crucial ties, included Under-20 trio of Lorine Ilavonga, Sharlyne Opisa, Fasila Adhiambo and Elizabeth Muteshi in the Starting line-up and it remains to be seen if she will again trust the youngsters in the return leg.

In the first leg clash, Sharlyne Opisa debuted with a goal while Adhiambo scored from a brilliant solo effort. Muteshi on the other hand pulled the strings making Kenya claim the opening goal, after she was fouled in the box and Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Adam converted the resultant penalty.

Should they sail through, the Starlets who hold a two-goal lead following a 3-1 victory in the first leg at Nyayo will return to the continental showpiece after nine years in the cold.