Odemba walking on tightrope as Starlets face Tunisia in crunch tie

When Harambee Starlets take to the field for their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nation (Wafcon) second leg tie at the Sousse Olympic Stadium, Tunisia today (6pm), all eyes will be on coach Beldine Odemba whose decisions could make or break Kenya's quest for a ticket to the continental showpiece.

Having played to a barren draw at home, Odemba's charges must defeat their hosts to advance to the final round of qualifiers.

The Kenyans, who are looking to secure their second Wafcon appearance, must fire from all cylinders for there is no room mistakes. A slight slip-up will be the end of the road for Starlets who made their continental debut in 2016 but have failed to qualify for subsequent editions.

Odemba said that playing in Tunisia will be a different game because Tunisians don't play the same home and away.

"We will build on areas that worked and seriously analyse and improve on those that didn't. We also expect a different game from our hosts and we are ready," Odemba said.

Starlets experienced midfielder Corazone Aquino remained hopeful saying that they will go all out and make the best out of the match.

"We still have a match to play and so we just have to make it count, we will be playing away but we intend to give our best because the final qualifying round is still within our reach," Aquino said.

Odemba was harshly criticised by Kenyans who were not happy with how she fielded players against the Eagles of Carthage at Ulinzi Sports Complex last Friday. With a final qualifying slot at stake, focus will be on Odemba's game plan and execution.

Having faced backlash over her starting 11, she is expected to make changes with known strikers likely to make the cut because Starlets need goals.

With Mwanahalima Adam who plays for Kansas City, in the US National Women's Soccer League and Elizabeth Wambui who plies her trade in Tanzania for Simba Queens having impressed in the first leg, Odemba faces a challenge of who to start in offense.

Fans' favourite Jentrix Shikangwa, who came on in extra time, Janet Bundi and Violet Nanjala are all available for selection. Shikangwa, who plays for Simba Queens alongside Aquino and Wambui, has been impressive in the Tanzanian league and is among favourites for the golden boot. Bundi, who plays for National Bank of Egypt and Violet Nanjala of Moroccan side Municipale de Laayoune are also in great form.

Captain Dorcas Shikobe will lead the defence that also has Enez Mango and Janet Mango with former Junior Starlets captain Elizabeth Ochaka also hoping to get some play time.