Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba/ HANDOUTHarambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has identified Kenya's lack of cutting edge in front of goal as the key area her side must address ahead of Monday evening's Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final Group A clash against Algeria.
After drawing blanks in defeats to hosts Morocco and Senegal, Odemba said her players have spent the build-up to the match working on finishing, believing improved conversion could make the difference as Kenya chase their first win of the tournament.
"We have been working on scoring because it is something we have lacked in the last two matches," Odemba said during Sunday's pre-match press conference at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
"We have also improved our defence. We conceded one goal in the second match, which is different from the four we allowed against Morocco. That is the spirit going into tomorrow's match. We want to push for a clean sheet for our keeper Awuor."
Kenya head into the fixture after suffering a 4-0 defeat to Morocco in their opener before losing 1-0 to Senegal, results that leave them bottom of Group A without a point.
Victory over Algeria, combined with a favourable result in the other group match, would keep alive their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.
Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor believes the Starlets still have every reason to believe they can spring a surprise.
"It's not over till it's over. We are prepared for the match and we are looking forward to a win so that we can qualify for the next round," Awuor said.
"Football is a game of surprises and you never know—we may upset our opponents. We have experienced players and young stars, and we have prepared well for tomorrow."
Algeria, meanwhile, need a positive result to strengthen their chances of advancing to the knockout stage after opening their campaign with a 2-0 win over Senegal before narrowly losing 1-0 to hosts Morocco.
Despite his side's favourable position, Algeria coach Farid Benstiti admitted Kenya remain one of the toughest opponents his team have had to prepare for.
"Since the draw for this tournament was made, I was more worried about meeting Kenya than Senegal and Morocco," Benstiti said.
"We have met before and Kenya is a very good team with talented players. We tried to analyse their data but couldn't get enough information. Even so, we are prepared for tomorrow's task."
Morocco top Group A with six points, while Algeria and Senegal are level on three points, with the North Africans ahead on goal difference.
The other Group A fixture will see Morocco face Senegal at El Hassan Abdallah Stadium, with both matches kicking off at 11pm.
