Harambee Starlets will have to rise above off-field distractions and deliver a statement performance against Tunisia this evening as they seek to secure a spot in next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

With uncertainty surrounding head coach Beldine Odemba’s future and mounting pressure from fans following a goalless draw in Nairobi, Starlets must find their rhythm in Sousse to keep their continental dream alive.

Moreover, reports of an imminent sacking for the CAF A-licensed coach have been circulating on the internet over the last few days, with former Vihiga Queens coach Alex Alumira rumored to be Odemba’s replacement.

Sources close to the team reveal that Alumira had been approached by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to be part of the trip to Tunisia to offer technical support, but the mission was unsuccessful.

Such reports, whether true or not, could have a significant impact on today’s crucial game as Starlets seek a return to continental women’s football for the first time since 2016.

It will be a tough challenge for Odemba, known as the ‘Modern Coach,’ to maintain full control of her dressing room given the recent developments.

Starlets endured a nine-hour trip from Nairobi to the city of Sousse, Tunisia, aboard a private jet for the first time. The team left Nairobi on Monday evening and had a stopover in Yaoundé, Cameroon, after three hours in the air.

They then embarked on another four-hour flight to Tunis, followed by a two-hour bus connection to the coastal town of Sousse, where today’s match will be staged at the Stade Olympique de Sousse.

There are no injury concerns in the Harambee Starlets camp, and all players on the traveling list are available for selection. Coach Odemba is expected to make several changes, especially after analyzing the opposition.

Kenya’s backline, led by captain Dorcas Shikobe, Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango and Janet Mumo—who delivered a solid performance on her debut last Friday—could remain unchanged.

The most significant selection decisions will likely be in midfield and attack, depending on the tactical approach—whether defensive or offensive.

Ulinzi Starlets captain Sheryl Angachi, who scored the winning penalty that saw Kenya eliminate Cameroon in late 2023, could be drafted into midfield alongside experienced Corazon Aquino and Lavender Akinyi.

Besiktas midfielder Cynthia Shilwatso is expected to start from the bench.

Although top striker Jentrix Shikangwa’s one-minute appearance in the first leg sparked frustration among home supporters, it remains unclear whether the Simba Queens prodigy will be handed a starting role in today’s encounter.

Morocco-based Violet Nanjala, Janet Bundi, Elizabeth Wambui, Terry Engesha, Elizabeth Mideva, Rebecca Okwaro, Emilly Moranga and Mwanalima “Dogo” Adam are other offensive options available for the technical bench.

The Eagles of Carthage executed their game plan effectively last Friday, thwarting Kenya’s attacking efforts. They did everything possible to slow Starlets’ tempo away from home and now have the opportunity to showcase their full potential on home soil in Sousse.

Starlets should be wary of Tunisia’s attacking threats, particularly Dutch-born Sabrine Ellouzi, who plays for Excelsior in the Netherlands, and Turkey-based Mariem Houij, who has scored 88 career goals.

Coach Kamel Saada is also expected to make changes to his squad as he aims for a comfortable home win.

A barren draw in the 4pm kickoff will push the match into penalties, while any goal-scoring draw will see Kenya advance to the next round on the away goals rule.

The winner of this tie will face Gambia in October in the second round, the final stage of the qualifiers. Gambia secured their spot after defeating Niger 4-1 on aggregate.