Harambee Starlets unveil 38-player squad for WAFCON qualifiers against The Gambia

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has announced a 38-player provisional squad for this month’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against The Gambia.

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The two-legged tie will determine who progresses to next year’s continental finals. Kenya will host the first leg in Nairobi on Friday, 24 October, before travelling for the return fixture at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, with The Gambia forced to play away from home due to the absence of a CAF-approved venue.

Odemba has opted for a blend of youth and experience, handing several players their first call-ups to the senior team. Among the headline newcomers is Mercy Akoth, the Vihiga Queens goalkeeper who earns her maiden selection.

In defence, Starlets welcome Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlets), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks), and Lorine Ilavonga, who graduates to the senior side after impressing with the Kenya U17 and U20 teams.

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The midfield sees the introduction of Elizabeth Muteshi from the U20 squad, while experienced campaigner Keziah Ngairah makes her return to strengthen the core of the team.

Kenya’s attacking department also gets a boost with the inclusion of Shirleen Opisa and Charity Midewa from the Rising Starlets, alongside Nicoline Hawa Muteshi, last season’s FKF Women Division One top scorer with Iron Ladies FC.

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Full provisional squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanța, Turkey), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens)

Defenders

Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena, Greece), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanța, Turkey), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlet), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks)

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Midfielders

Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Diana Wacera (Kenya Police Bullets), Sheryl Angach (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amnyolet (Vihiga Queens), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Beverlyn Adika (Zetech Sparks), Keziah Ngairah (Ulinzi Starlets), Lavender Ann (Ulinzi Starlets), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets)

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Forwards

Mwanalima Adam (HB Køge, Denmark), Charity Midewa (PalmHill Sports Club, Egypt), Diana Cherono (Vihiga Queens), Tereza Engesha (Wuhan Jiangda, China), Faith Mboya (Kibera Soccer Women), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Tumaini Waliaula (Sirens of Grevena, Greece), Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC, Saudi Arabia), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Nicoline Hawa Muteshi (Iron Ladies FC)

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