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Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is confident they can outwit Botswana and qualify for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Kenya will leave for Botswana on Sunday, December 3, before the return leg that is scheduled to be played two days later.

In the first leg, the COSAFA nation held Starlets to a 1-1 draw at Nyayo Stadium. Kenya would have headed to Gaborone with a slight advantage had they converted a last-minute penalty.

“We’ve at least enjoyed some good sessions with the players who had not had a feel for the pitch yet, and I am happy that there is a blending in already. We are ready,” Odemba told reporters.

Nekesa, Shikobe hopeful

On her part, Marjolene Nekesa echoed Odemba’s sentiments and vowed that they would fight for good results.

“Looking back, I believe Botswana were good, but we were better as a team. Only that, it was not our day.

“But so far, things are good; preparations have been going well, and we are all ready for the return match, where we hope to get some good results,” the forward said.

If Kenya qualifies for the continental bonanza, Nekesa says, that will be her biggest achievement.

“That will be one of the greatest achievements for me, the team, and the coaching staff.

“Of course, it’s a good opportunity for us to get exposure, but it’s also an avenue for us to make the women’s World Cup,” she added.

Dorcas Shikobe is highly confident that they will get a win despite the fact that Harambee Starlets will not enjoy home advantage.

We will win. Our training in the last few days has been fixed on taking advantage of our opponents and securing qualification,” she said.