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Rising Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has expressed her satisfaction with the levels of fitness in her players ahead of their vital second round match of the 2024 FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup against Angola on Sunday at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Odemba who recently led Harambee Starlets to a historic and sumptuous victory against a highly ranked Cameroon side last month in AWCON qualifiers is optimistic of giving another show at the same venue.

“The girls are in top shape and am impressed on how they have shown great maturity despite their young age.With the desire and dedication shown in training for the one week camp I believe this team can even do more than what senior Starlets did last week.We remain focus for the Sunday assignment for the country again and we are working towards getting favorable results at home”, Odemba told People Sport.

The youngsters gave a good account of themselves as they smashed Kahawa Pride FC 18-0 in a test match played at the Kasarani Annex on Wednesday afternoon, sending a clear message to their Sunday opponents.

Rising Starlets skipper Jane Hato acknowledged the tough task awaiting them on Sunday but was calm,notting that they have been inspired with their seniors and are itching to replicate the same performance.

“Yes, we understand the job ahead of us especially considering that our seniors Harambee Starlets did proceed to go to the next stage of the African Cup of Nations Qualifiers.It is a challenge to us but a motivator as well.We urge our fans to come out in large numbers to support us on Sunday,we have a big chance of making to the World Cup and we need everyone’s support as we endeavour to accomplish our goal”, Hato said.

Coach Odemba is expected to name her final squad to face Angola tomorrow after the last train at Nyayo Stadium.

The winner of the tie will face either Cameroon or Botswana in the third round of the qualification campaign.

This qualifying journey goes upto five rounds and only two African teams will make to the 2024 edition that will be staged in Colombia.