Ouma cautiously optimistic of AWCON dream, but is there hope?

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma is cautiously optimistic that they will still grace the 2018 African Women cup of Nations finals to be held in Ghana from November 17-December 1 even as they await for the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) to make a ruling on their appeal, with barely four days left before the competition kicks off.

Kenya lodged a ‘successful’ appeal that saw Equatorial Guinea knocked out of the competition for fielding ineligible player only for the Caf- Committee to make a last-minute U-turn and reinstate Guinea, opening a Pandora box for the Kenyan side.

Kenya had appealed against the inclusion of Annette Jacky Messomo in the squad that eliminated the Starlets in the qualifiers.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, a disappointed Ouma said he still crossing his fingers that CAS will rule in their favour.

“It’s a very disappointing moment but I am continuing with the preparation of the team. I believe our superiors filed enough evidence to prove that one Annette Jacky Messomo is not Equatorial Guinea player but from Cameroon.

“I have been preparing the team as usual. Yesterday we attended church service and later rested but today we had early training session at Ruiru School and later in the evening we shall train again,” added the ex- Sofapaka coach.

“We are hoping CAS will make the ruling on time so that if it favours us, we can travel.”

Elsewhere, the national under -23 team head coach Francis Kimanzi is optimistic of beating Mauritius when they lock horns on November 4 at Moi Stadium, Kasarani in  an African U-23 Cup of Nations qualifier.

Emerging Stars got a massive shot in the arm in their preparations after all the four foreign legion joined camp. Joseph Okumu, who plies his trade in the United States for Real Monarchs, was the first foreign-based player to check in last Friday while Ovella Ochieng, plying his trade in the USA), Jonah Ayunga (England), Henry Ochieng (England), and Alwyn Tera (Georgia) – all joined camp on Sunday night – handing the team the much needed boost ahead of Wednesday’s first leg clash.

“I believe it will be a tough match but we are ready to face them,”added  Kimanzi

The guests are set to have a feel on the pitch this evening ahead of tomorrow’s duel.