Keeper Awuor backs Harambee Starlets to shine at Wafcon

The tournament is pencilled to run from March 17 to April 3, and Kenya will open their campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17, then face Senegal on March 20 before concluding the group stage against Algeria on March 23.

Ahead of the tournament, Kenya has already pitched camp in Ivory Coast to continue preparations.

Starlets played against Benin losing 2-0, and will now face the Ivory Coast in the second build-up clash at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpe on Wednesday.

“The two friendly matches are good preparation ahead of the WAFCON because we are facing teams with the same equal weight as the ones we will face in WAFCON. We aim to reach the finals and later qualify for the World Cup. It will not be easy, though; we need to push hard in training and have the mental strength.”

Awuor's sentiments were echoed by her colleague defender Elizabeth Muteshi.

“The camp is very nice, and the coaches have been doing a great job. This is a very big stage, and as players we are ready to give it to our all for better performance. We understand the stiff competition from our competitors, but with hard work and focus, we can achieve our goal of reaching the finals.”

After the two fixtures, Starlets will head to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp that will run until March 15, before travelling to Morocco for the continental tournament.

During the 2016 edition held in Cameroon, Kenya was drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. Kenya’s first match saw them lose 3-1 against the Black Queens, before they lost matchday two 3-1 against Mali.

The third group match against the Super Falcons saw Kenya humiliated 4-0 to exit the stage without winning a game.

However, despite the performance, Odemba is beaming with confidence that Kenya has grown in stature since the edition and has what it takes to go far.