After a momentous performance on her return to the national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, Neddy Atieno says her focus is on helping the team make a return to the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (AWCON) by guiding the youngsters to believe it is possible.Atieno last featured for Starlets in the 2018 AWCON qualifiers where the team was bundled out in the final round by Equatorial Guinea, denying the then David Ouma-coached side a chance for back-to-back AWCON appearances following their debut in 2016.The Ulinzi Starlets’ forward was part of the 2016 squad that made their debut at the 2016 AWCON where they were knocked out in the group stage after losing to Ghana, Mali and Nigeria.“I am back in the team and ready to show the youngsters in the team that qualifying for AWCON is doable. We have been there before and this is another opportunity to prove that the first appearance was no fluke,” said Atieno after her five-goal performance in the first leg of the first round qualification against South Sudan.Harambee Starlets can also dance! These celebrations came after they thrashed South Sudan 8-0 in the AWCON qualifiers #HarambeeStarlets #AWCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/CeCkJnx9FM— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) October 20, 2021 Asked whether the burden will be on her, being one of the senior team members and after her performance in the Wednesday 20 October performance, to ensure that the team makes a comeback to the continental showpiece, she detracted the attention from herself.“We have very talented players in the team so there is no pressure on me,” she expertly said. “Yes, I bring experience to the side but if and when I cannot deliver for the team, the coach has other players who are equally capable. The important thing is helping the team achieve its goal,” added Atieno.Booysen unimpressed by Bright Starlets displayIn the first round, the 44 teams were drawn into 22 ties, with teams divided into four pots based on their geographical zones and those in the same pot drawn to play against each other. In the second round, the 22 preliminary round winners are allocated into 11 ties based on the first round tie numbers with the winners joining hosts Morocco for the 2022 AWCON.
