Rising Starlets buoyant ahead of Angola test

Rising Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is beaming with confidence ahead of the upcoming two-legged second round 2024 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup Qualifiers against Angola on Sunday at Nyayo National Stadium- Nairobi.

Odemba, who doubles up as the Harambee Starlets head coach will be in charge of the junior national team against Angola who jetted into the country on Saturday.

According to the Kenya Police Bullets coach, the quality she has seen in the team gives her the certainty of crushing the Southern Africa opponents.

"We are really working hard in training and we are impressed with what the players have shown us. They look composed and really ready for the task ahead," said Odemba.

Odemba said the match will be a big test for the newly assembled team, noting that she picked up some of the best talents in the country to contest for the global showpiece slot.

"This is the first time we are calling the under 20 team and most of them are new to the fold though are psychologically ready to handle the pressure that comes with a national team duty," she added.

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Odemba also wants football die hard to turn up in record numbers and cheer up the girls.

The support of the 12th man will play a part in settling the duel, and being the first clash for many of her charges, presence of the supporters will lift their esprit de corps.

"I urge fans to come and support the girls they are optimistic and that support is going to lift them up," she posed.

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Rising Starlets captain Jane Hato has predicted victory for the Under 20s despite having 'little time' in the camp and she believes the they can now play as a unit.

"Our morale is high and we understand each other and we are going for a win. We have already prepared a celebration style for tomorrow (Sunday)," she noted

The second leg is set for October 11,2023 in Luanda, Angola, with the aggregate winner facing the winner between Cameroon and Botswana in the third round.

Only two teams from Africa will qualify for the World Cup after five qualifying rounds