The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon will face the Harambee Starlets of Kenya this evening at the Reunification Stadium in Douala in the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. local time.
This will be the first round of play and the first leg for both teams before they take a trip to Kenya for a return match to be played on Tuesday, September 26, at 1 p.m.
The winner of the match will face the winner of the Gabon vs. Botswana match in the second round of the qualifiers.
Ahead of the match, the Indomitable Lionesses head coach, Jean-Baptiste Bisseck, said the team is determined to win the match and qualify for the AWCON.
“We are ready for the match against Kenya,” Bisseck said. “We have been training hard, and we are confident that we can win the match. We know that Kenya is a good team, but we are better. We have the players and the experience to win the match.”
Kenya’s head coach, Baraka Okindah, on the other hand, is also confident about tonight’s game.
“We are confident and ready for tonight’s game. My girls are ready to play their best for a possible victory, and we are not frightened by anything.”
Both teams held pre-match press conferences yesterday. At the press conference, Indomitable Lionesses’ team captain, Aboudi Onguene, is confident she and her teammates would deliver Cameroon a win.
“The national senior team is not a playground,” Onguene said. “It is a place for results. My teammates and I know what is left for us to do. Tonight we shall give our best for our national colours to shine brighter.”
The match is expected to be close, as both teams are evenly matched. However, Cameroon has the home advantage, and they will be hoping to start their qualification campaign on a winning note.
“I am very anxious about tonight’s match,” said an Indomitable Lionesses fan. “I want the Indomitable Lionesses to win and qualify for the AWCON finals. They are a very good team, and they deserve to be in the tournament.”
Another fan predicted that the Indomitable Lionesses would have an easy ride against the Harambee Starlets.
“They have a very good team, and they are playing at home. I am excited to watch the match and support my team,” said the fan.
Kenya’s supporters have also been mobilising to back the team to victory.
“I am very nervous about tonight’s match,” said one Kenyan fan. “I want Kenya to win and qualify for the AWCON finals. However, I know that Cameroon is a very good team, and they will be difficult to beat.”
Another Kenyan fan commented: “I am excited about tonight’s match. I am looking forward to seeing two good teams compete. I wish both teams the best of luck.”
The 2024 AWCON will be played in Morocco next year and will feature 12 nations. CAF is yet to announce the date for the tournament’s kickoff.
