Cameroon demonstrated tactical prowess to secure victory over Rising Starlets, who are now eliminated from the competition despite a 3-2 loss in the second leg of the third round at Nyayo Stadium on Friday,
The Rising Starlets had entered the fixture with a three-goal deficit after a first-leg defeat in Cameroon led by Hassan Ibrahim.
Beldine Odemba, the head coach of Rising Starlets, acknowledged Cameroon’s tactical proficiency, stating, “Cameroon outplayed us in midfield, employing highballs and attacking football. The opponent was tactically better.” Odemba expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, especially during the second half.
Super-sub Charity Midewa scored two goals but the Rising Starlets fell short, concluding with a 6-2 aggregate. The absence of Phasila Adhiambo, who missed the game due to accumulated yellow cards, was felt in the midfield.
Odemba remarked, “Phasila got two yellows, and she couldn’t play in the match. To be honest, we felt her absence in the midfield.”
Although missing eight key players due to ongoing Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations, Odemba refused to attribute the loss solely to their absence.
She emphasized, “We had time to prepare with the girls, so I can’t say that’s the reason we lost.” Cameroon advances to the fourth round, where they will face the winner between Congo and Egypt in the final round later this year. The finals are scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 22 next year.
