Starlets new head coach has raised eyebrows with her squad for the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers by omitting notable players.
Newly appointed Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled her 30-player provisional squad in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON) clash against Cameroon.
This highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to kick off with the first leg in Cameroon on Friday, September 22, 2023, followed by the return leg on home turf on Tuesday, September 26, 2023.
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12:32 - 05.09.2023
FOOTBALL Nekesa and Akida return as Beldine Odemba names Harambee Starlets squad for crunch Cameroon encounters
Beldine Odemba has named the provisional squad for Harambee Starlets crunch WAFCON back-to-back qualifiers against Cameroon.
However, as is often the case with such squad announcements, Odemba's selections have sparked intense debate and discussion among fans and pundits alike.
In particular, the focus has shifted to notable omissions from the roster—players who have been left out despite their previous contributions and potential impact in their teams performance.
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These exclusions have raised eyebrows and generated a whirlwind of speculation surrounding Odemba's decision-making.
In this article, we delve into the three most significant absences from Odemba's 30-player squad.
Lilian Awuor
Lilian Awuor is an experienced goalkeeper who plies her trade in France Division 2 with Association Sportive Jeunesse de Soyaux Charente.
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11:51 - 05.09.2023
ATHLETICS Sharon Lokedi gearing up to defend her New York City Marathon title
As a debutant during last year's edition of the event, Lokedi broke away from the leading pack and sprinted to the finish line to cut the tape in a time of 2:23:23.
Known for her exceptional reflexes and consistent performance in her league, Awuor brings a wealth of international experience to the table.
Her omission from the Harambee Starlets' squad is quite surprising, given her ability to make critical saves and her familiarity with high-pressure situations.
One could argue that her absence might be attributed to the coach's preference for younger talents or a tactical decision to focus on different goalkeepers, but her exclusion leaves a void in terms of experience between the goalposts.
Desma Nyawade
Desma Nyawade, the talented attacker from Kispend Queens, had shown her prowess in the FKF Women's Cup with her impressive performances.
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08:34 - 05.09.2023
FKFPL KCB boss Mwalala on how he plans to use striking trio of Otanga, Kipkirui and Kahiro
Mwalala has hailed the variety of his three centre-forward options including 2021/2022 Golden Boot winner Derrick Otanga.
Known for her agility and goal-scoring ability, Nyawade was expected by many to be a strong contender for a spot in Beldine Odemba's Harambee Starlets squad.
However, her omission from the 30-player provisional squad has raised eyebrows. It's possible that Coach Odemba had to make tough decisions based on the team's overall strategy and balance.
Perhaps she preferred other players with a different style of play or specific attributes that she believed would better serve the team's goals for the upcoming Africa Women Cup of Nations.
Monalizer Anyango
Monalizer Anyango, the midfielder from Zetech Sparks, is another notable omission from the squad.
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08:06 - 05.09.2023
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She is known for her ball control and playmaking abilities, which could have added creativity to the team's midfield.
However, Coach Odemba might have opted for other midfielders who fit her tactical approach better.
It is crucial to remember that squad selections are often influenced by factors beyond individual talent, such as team chemistry, playing style, and fitness levels.
While Monalizer Anyango is undoubtedly a talented player, Coach Odemba might have seen other players as better fits for the squad's needs.