Corazone Aquino urges FKF to schedule more friendlies ahead of WAFCON qualifier

The Starlets returned to the country on Thursday morning alongside their junior counterparts after completing international friendly matches in the Ivory Coast and Morocco, respectively.

Under the guidance of coach Beldine Odemba, the senior team wrapped up the April FIFA window with two friendly matches against the Ivory Coast’s national women’s team in Abidjan. Although both games ended in 2-0 losses, Aquino, who plays for Tanzanian giants Simba Queens, emphasized the importance of consistent match practice.

“Despite the defeats, it was a valuable learning experience for us. We need to play international friendlies during every window. These games help the coach assess our strengths and weaknesses and improve the team. With proper preparation, I believe we’ll have an easier time against Gambia in October,” said Aquino.

Coach Odemba echoed the need for more matches and noted the upcoming CECAFA Women’s Challenge as another opportunity to assess the squad.

“We still have time before we face Gambia. We’re hoping to get another good friendly in June, and possibly participate in the CECAFA tournament, which would be ideal preparation,” said Odemba. “We did pick up some injuries, but they are manageable, and everyone should be back in action within a month.”

Meanwhile, Junior Starlets captain Halima Imbachi expressed optimism following their successful trip to Morocco, saying it was a great boost ahead of their 2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Cameroon.

The Junior Starlets ended their Morocco tour on a high, beating the hosts 2-0 on Monday at the Mohammed VI Sports Complex, after a 1-1 draw in the first friendly on April 4 at the same venue.

“The international exposure was valuable. Morocco and Cameroon play similar styles, so winning against Morocco gives us confidence that we can match Cameroon as well,” said Imbachi.

Head coach Mildred Cheche praised the outing, saying it helped improve match fitness and team cohesion.

“The two games were a great experience for us as a team. They allowed us to evaluate our performance and identify areas for improvement. We gained confidence from the trip, and we now know what to work on. Joan Ogolla picked up a minor injury, but she should be fit in time for the Cameroon matches,” said Cheche.

The Junior Starlets are aiming for a second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. They will face Cameroon in the final round of qualifiers, with the first leg set for Sunday, April 20, at Nyayo Stadium, and the return leg on April 25 at Stade Olembe in Yaoundé.