Coach Beldine Odemba Faces Criticism as WAFCON Qualifier Yields no Fruit

Harambee Starlets player contesting for the ball against Tunisian earlier today at Ulinzi Sports Complex|Photo Courtesy|

The highly anticipated Women Africa Cup Of Nations (WAFCON) match qualifier between Harambee Starlets and Tunisia ended in a barren draw in a hotly contested clash at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday 21, February 2025 .

Despite a notable number of fans including the newly elected FKF leaders attending the match, the home team failed to convert their chances into goals leaving them with a hard task in return leg when they will be facing their opponents in Tunisia.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba, in turn, has faced criticism from fans and football pundits in the country after the barren draw at home.

Odemba fielded a 11 member team without a natural striker with all the 3 strikers—Jentrix Shikangwa, Janet Moraa Bundu and Violet Nanjala starting from the bench .

The introduction of Violet Nanjala in the 76th minute to replace Cynthia Shilwatso wasn’t enough for Odemba’s girls to cruise a late winner at home. Nanjala’s efforts saw her miss an open chance as the fans yearned for a goal.

The on-form Simba queens striker Jentrix Shikangwa was later on introduced in the 90th minute with only a few minutes left to play. The selection has raised eye brows among football lovers questioning the reason for Shikangwa not being given enough playing time.

Speaking after the game, Coach Odemba failed to address the issue praising her team tactical approach towards Tunisia.

“We were tactically better than Tunisia”, said Odemba.

Harambee Starlets will be facing Tunisia in return leg on Tuesday. After the 2nd leg on Tuesday in Tunis, the winner on aggregate advances to the final round of the 2026 Women AFCON Qualifiers.

As the second leg awaits, fans and players remain optimistic of making it to the next round. Harambee Starlets midfielder Corazon Aquino has expressed her views on the game promising a fully packed 90 minutes of action in Tunisia.

“We still have 90 minutes to play, we hope to do better,” Corazon said.