Late inclusion Njeri makes Starlets travelling squad

Kenya Police Bullets FC midfielder Mercy Njeri, a late inclusion in Harambee Starlets' provisional squad, has made the travelling team that will play the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon on Friday, September 22.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba named 23 players who departed the country on September 19 for Douala ahead of their first leg of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

The squad features a blend of in-form Kenyan-based players and experienced foreign-based players, including Esse Akida who makes a return to the national team for the first time since 2018. She was also part of the squad that took Kenya to the WAFCON in 2016.

Njeri’s inclusion came after she played for her club in the only friendly match that the national team played as part of their preparations for the task ahead. So impressive was the youngster that Odemba and her entire technical bench had to have her invaluable contribution on the team.

She will vie for a starting berth against the experienced quartet of Cynthia Shilwatso (currently plying her trade in Ukraine for FC Kryvbas Women), Ulinzi Starlets’ Sheryl Angachi, Vivian Corazone of Simba Queens, and JFK Panthers’ Mercyline Anyango.

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Should Harambee Starlets emerge as the aggregate winners of the two-legged qualifier, they will face either Gabon or Botswana in the second round, scheduled between November 27 and December 5.

The victor of the second round will secure automatic qualification for the 2024 WAFCON, hosted in Morocco.

The team will fly back home on Sunday, September 24, in time for their second-leg match on September 26.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers

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

Defenders

Phoebe Owiti (Vihiga Queens), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Wincate Kaari (Yanga Princess), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Janet Moraa (Vihiga Queens), Waganda Lydia Akoth (Buja Queens), Juliet Auma (Kenya Police Bullets)

Midfielders

Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Mercyline Anyango (JFK Panthers), Mercy Njeri (Kenya Police Bullets).

Forwards

Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Esse Akida (FC PAOK), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets)

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