Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has released a 23-player squad to travel for two much-sought friendly matches with Ivory Coast. The friendlies are crucial as they precede Kenya’s travel towards winning a ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Coach Odemba has not made major changes to the nucleus team that won against Tunisia in the WAFCON qualifiers first round. The new faces in the team are Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka, Lucy Kwekwe, and Faith Mboya.

Nasaka, who was originally listed for the Tunisia match, was forced to withdraw after she suffered an injury at her club, Hakkarigucuspor. While this, Mboya, who was not named to the final team for Tunisia, now has a chance to prove herself in these important matches.

The Starlets, on the other hand, will be missing their captain, Dorcas Shikobe, after injuring herself while playing for her Greek club, Sirines of Grevena. Her loss will be a huge setback to the team, but the coach still believes in the depth and staying power of the squad.

Speaking about the upcoming friendlies, Coach Odemba emphasized their significance by stating, “The objective of the games is to evaluate our improvement, identify where we have to work harder, and build on what we do well. That’s why I’ve not made a lot of changes from the Tunisia camp—to get a clear picture of where we are as a team.”

She also suffered the setback of losing captain Shikobe but wished her speedy recovery and stated, “It’s sad that we’ll be missing our captain, but we hope to have her back for upcoming matches.”

The team will depart for Abidjan on Wednesday, 2nd April 2025, to tackle the Ivorian outfit in a test that will prove tough for the team prior to the next stage of qualifiers.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers:

Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor

Defenders:

Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Wincate Kaari, Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka

Midfielders:

Corazone Aquino, Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Akinyi, Lydia Akoth, Sheryl Angach

Forwards:

Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Jentrix Shikangwa, Tereza Engesha, Faith Mboya

The Ivory Coast friendlies will be a great stage for the Starlets to fine-tune their tactics and bond as a team before they start their crucial WAFCON campaign.