Ayodi, Nyarinda return as coach Odemba names Harambee Starlets' squad for crunch Botswana clashes

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named the provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged qualification final round against the Zebras of Botswana for the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers this November.

Starlets secured a spot in the third round of the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers after defeating Cameroon in a penalty shootout at Nyayo National Stadium in September.

Starlets will play the Zebras on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at home before facing them in a return leg away in Botswana on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

Most players called up in the camp against Cameroon have been retained with Vihiga Queens Mercyline Wayodi and FK Apolonia Fier Lorna Nyarinda making a comeback to the team.

Joining the squad for the first time are Kenya Police Bullets Goalkeeper Mishi Mbaru, Bungoma Queens Defender Centrine Wasike, and strikers Rebecca Okwaro and Nancy Atako who trade for Kenya Police Bullets and Kibera Soccer Ladies respectively.

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Graduating to the senior team from Rising Starlets is the Ulinzi Starlets duo of Joy Kinglady and Fasila Odhiambo.

The team is expected to hit the camp on Monday, November 20, 2023.

A win for Starlets over the South African nation will guarantee them a place in the Wome’s Africa Cupp of Nations for the second time in seven years.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitou FC), Caroline Rufa (Simba Queens), Lilian Awuor (ASJ Soyaux Charente), Mishi Mbaru (Kenya Police Bullets)

Defenders

Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Phoebe Owiti (Gokulam Kerala FC), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevana), Juliet Auma (Kenya Police Bullets), Centrine Wasike (Bungoma Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Enez Mango (Farul Constata), Fosca Nashivanda (Zetech Sparks)

Midfielders

Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Lorna Nyarinda (FK Apolonia Fier), Mercyline Wayodi (Vihiga Queens), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets), Marjolene Nekesa (SK Slavia Praha), Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women)

Forwards

Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Joy Kinglady (Ulinzi Starlets), Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Airine Madalina (Bunyore Starlets), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens) Janet Bundi (Vihiga Queens), Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets), Nancy Atako (Kibera Girls Soccer)

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