News Focus
- Harambee Starlets clinch third place at the Four Nations tournament in Zambia with a dominant 6-0 victory over Lesotho
- Head coach Beldine Odemba describes the emphatic win as the perfect birthday gift from her players
- The national team boss reveals plans to adjust tactics and replace up to three players before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
- Captain Mwanalima Adam claims the Player of the Tournament award following Kenya’s bronze medal finish
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has praised her side’s ruthless attacking display after they thrashed Lesotho 6-0 to claim bronze at the Four Nations tournament in Zambia. The victory came on the coach’s birthday, which she described as the ideal present from her squad.
The comprehensive win secured a third-place finish for Kenya in Lusaka. However, Odemba stressed that the result served a greater purpose as a tactical examination ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Before the match, the technical bench had focused heavily on improving efficiency in the final third. Odemba expressed delight that intensive training drills had produced clear results on the pitch.
“It is good that we are sharpening our attack. We worked specifically on scoring during our last two training sessions. To find the net six times in such a competition proves we can improve even further,” the coach stated after the final whistle.
Odemba also commended her players for maintaining professional discipline throughout the rout. She insisted the team never underestimated their opponents despite the one-sided scoreline.
“The girls followed instructions perfectly. They wanted this victory. We did not view Lesotho as an easy opponent. They pressed us hard, but I am pleased the team delivered this birthday gift,” she added.
Although satisfied with the week’s work in Zambia, Odemba admitted the squad remains a work in progress. She suggested supporters should expect minor alterations to both personnel and tactics when competitive fixtures resume.
“I believe the team is ready, but we must fix two or three areas. Tactically, we might adjust one or two things. Regarding the squad, we could see changes to about three positions moving forward,” she revealed.
The tournament concluded with Kenya taking home the bronze medal. Captain Mwanalima Adam earned individual recognition as the Player of the Tournament, while Coach Odemba now possesses a clear tactical plan for the road to Morocco 2026.