Harambee Starlets Name Provisional Squad For AFCON Qualifiers Against Cameroon

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has named the provisional squad that will represent the country in the two-legged Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses this September.

Starlets will begin with the first leg in Cameroon on 22 September followed by the second leg to be played at home on Tuesday September 26.

The squad features a blend of in-form local-based players and experienced foreign-based players.

Noteworthy additions to the squad are Soccer Assassins’ forward Valerie Leah Nekesa and Kenya Police Bullets defender Quinter Owiti, who earned their first senior call-ups after showcasing their prowess in the Junior Starlets squad.

Joining the squad for the first time are Bunyore Starlets’ forward Airin Madalina, Lavender Atieno, and Simba Queens goalkeeper Caroline Rufa.

Making a comeback to Harambee Starlets is SK Slavia Praha midfielder Marjolene Nekesa, Ulinzi Starlets’ Mercy Airo and FC PAOK forward Esse Akida.

Ketsi Ngaira from Ulinzi Starlets and Valentine Khwaka from Kenya Police Bullets have retained their spot in the national team receiving their second call-up.

The aggregate winners of this two-legged qualifier will face either Gabon or Botswana in the second round.

The victor of the second round will secure automatic qualification for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations to be hosted in Morocco.

Should the Harambee Starlets advance to the second round, the matches will take place between November 27 and December 5, 2023.

These qualifiers will mark Harambee Starlets’ return to CAF Competitions after Kenya’s lengthy suspension by FIFA from football.

The team reports to camp on Sunday, September 10, 2023.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Valentine Khwaka (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitou FC), Caroline Rufa (Simba Queens)

Defenders

Christine Awuor (Zetech Sparks), Lavender Atieno Okeyo (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Phoebe Owiti (Vihiga Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Wincate Kaari (Yanga Princess), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Quinter Owiti (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Janet Moraa (Vihiga Queens).

Midfielders

Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Marjolene Nekesa(SK Slavia Praha), Mercyline Anyango (JFK Panthers).

Forwards

Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Topista Situma (Fountain Gates Princess), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Airin Madalina (Bunyore Starlets), Esse Akida (FC PAOK), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Purity Alukwe (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Valerie Leah Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets)