Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 23-player squad ahead of two high-profile friendly matches against the Cote d’Ivoire.
The friendlies will be held during the FIFA Women’s International break between March 31 to April 8.
The squad, scheduled to depart for Abidjan today, April 2, continues their journey toward securing a Wafcon position.
This will serve as a build-up to Kenya’s decisive 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final round qualifier against Gambia.
The first leg will be in Kenya on October 20, while the return fixture is scheduled for October 28 in Gambia.
Odemba has made only four additions to the core team that triumphed over Tunisia in the first round.
Defenders Ann Norah and Vivian Nasaka, alongside strikers Lucy Kwekwe and Faith Mboya, have been promoted from the Under-20 squad, whom she also coaches.
Nasaka, who was initially called up for the Tunisia tie but was sidelined with an injury at her Turkey-based club Hakkarigucu spor, returns, while Mboya, who missed the final squad then, will now get her chance.
Starlets’ last encounter against Tunisia saw them draw 0-0 at home against Tunisia on February 21 before sealing a 1-0 away victory five days later.
“The purpose of the friendlies is to evaluate our progress, identify areas for improvement and build on our strengths. That’s why I’ve made minimal changes to the squad from the Tunisia camp—to get a clear picture of where we stand as a team,” Odemba stated.
However, Starlets will be without captain Dorcas Shikobe, who was ruled out due to an injury sustained while playing for her Greek club, Sirines of Grevena.
“Unfortunately, our captain, Dorcas Shikobe will be absent due to an injury she picked up in Greece. I wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to having her back in our future matches,” Odemba added.
The travelling squad features Annedy Kundu and Lilian Awuor (goalkeepers); Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Wincate Kaari, Ann Norah and Vivian Nasaka (defenders).
The midfield has Corazone Aquino,
Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo,
Lavender Akinyi, Lydia Akoth and Sheryl Angachi.
Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala,
Elizabeth Wambui, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Jentrix Shikangwa,
Tereza Engesha and Faith Mboya will
form the striking force.
