WAFCON Q: Harambee Starlets predicted starting XI vs Botswana

Harambee Starlets are in Gaborone, ready to take on Botswana in a 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying match on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

It is a huge game for both sides, given that the first leg ended in a 1-1 draw at Nyayo Stadium. The outcome of the first encounter means that Botswana have a slight upper hand in Tuesday’s game given that they are at home.

Head coach Beldine Odemba should be alive to the fact that her charges face a tough task, a date with destiny, and that they can only deliver if they play a solid unit.

She is not expected to tinker with her previous starting XI, given the fact that a more united and gelled team can easily deliver the desired results.

Therefore, Anneddy Kundu is expected to keep her position within the sticks while having a protection unit comprised of Ruth Ingosi, Ruth Owiti, Vivian Nasaka, and Enez Mango in the defense.

Corazon Aquino, Lorna Nyabuto, Cynthia Shilwatso, and Marjolene Nekesa are expected to be maintained in the midfield, while Mwanalima Adam and Elizabeth Wambui spearhead the attacking mission.

Eyes will be keen to see whether Sheryl Angachi will get a starting slot after she was benched in the first leg.

To pose a danger to Botswana, Harambee Starlets must make sure they make use of the chances they have, unlike how they performed at Nyayo Stadium. Apart from failing to convert a late-minute penalty, open chances, especially by Shilwatso and Nekesa, proved costly for the 2019 CECAFA Women’s Championship winners.

Predicted XI

Harambee Stars predicted XI: Kundu, Ingosi, Owiti, Nasaka, Mango, Aquino, Nyabuto, Nekesa, Shilwatso, Adam, Wambui

Subs: Juliet Auma, Joy Kinglady, Sherryl Angachi, Violet Wanyonyi, Janet Bundi, Ketsia Ngaira, Lilian Awuor