Beldine Odemba, who led the senior Starlets to the final qualification round for the WAFCON, is now focused on achieving similar success with the U20 girls as they face Angola in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The U20 team will compete in their first-leg match against Angola at Nyayo National Stadium, seeking to advance to the second round and make history in the qualification for the women’s U20 AFCON.
Odemba expressed confidence in her team’s preparations, emphasizing the importance of a fighting spirit and determination to secure victory for the nation.
“We have prepared well, and the girls are ready for the match. When you go out to war, you never go with the mind that you are going to lose. You go out to fight and hope to come back alive with victory for your nation,” Odemba stated.
She acknowledged that she lacks comprehensive information about the Angolan team but assured that her squad is well-prepared to compete and emerge victorious.
“We have worked on all areas because I don’t know them much. I have watched just a few highlights, which is not enough, so we have addressed all areas to ensure we are well prepared,” Odemba noted.
Odemba encouraged fans to support the young team, similar to the support received by the Starlets in their recent matches.
Team captain Jane Hato expressed confidence in their preparation and aims to secure a victory at home, taking them one step closer to the Cup of Nations.
“A victory for the Junior Starlets over the two legs against Angola takes them to the penultimate round of qualification where a date against either Cameroon or Botswana awaits them.”
