Near full house as Harambee Starlets kick off AWCON preparations

Kenya's Harambee Starlets were almost a full house as they kicked off their preparations for the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers in readiness for the first-round clash against South Sudan.

Out of the 31 players called up by Harambee Starlets head coach Charles Okere for this campaign, only three are yet to report to residential camp.

Mwanahalima 'Dogo' Adam could mostly likely miss out following reports that she has jetted out of the country to join an unnamed Turkish side.

Dorcas Shikobe who plies her trade in Cyprus and Elizabeth Wambui of Gaspo are the only other players who are not yet with the team, with Shikobe set to join the team as soon as she is released by Lakatama FC.

The fixture will unfold in two legs, with the first one being played on October 20, 2021 and the return just four days later.

Starlets are set to enjoy double home advantage as South Sudan will play their home match at Nyayo National Stadium, the same location that Starlets will be using for their home match as well according to information provided by the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) website.

Ulinzi Starlets forward Neddy Atieno, who has been on fine form, and teammate Lucy Mukhwana will be making a comeback to the National Team after a long time away from the team.

The team is largely comprised of local-based players, with Shikobe being the only player who plays club football outside the country.

CECAFA region Champions Vihiga Queens dominate the provisional squad, with nine players, ten if you include defender Dorcas Neema who recently joined the team from Nakuru West Queens.

The finals are set to be held in Morocco where the top four teams will qualify for the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and two more teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Annete Kundu (Unattached), Pauline Katharu (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awour (Vihiga Queens) Maureen Shimuli (Ulinzi Starlets)

Defenders

Vivian Nasaka (Vihiga Queens), Juliet Adipo (Kayole Starlet), Dorcas Shikobe (Lakatama FC), Lucy Akoth (Mathare United Women FC), Dorcas Neema (Nakuru Queens), Phoebe Awiti (Vihiga Queens), Enez Mango (Vihiga Queens), Nelly Sawe (Thika Queens), Ruth Ingotsi (Unattached)

Midfielders

Sheril Angach (Gaspo Women), Corazone Aquino (Gaspo Women), Mercy Oginga (Vihiga Queens), Lydia Akoth (Thika Queens), Lilian Mmboga (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lorna Nyarinda (Kibera Girls Soccer), Martha Amunyolet (Trans Nzoia Queens), Maureen Ater (Vihiga Queens), Merceline Wayodi (Kisumu All Starlets)

Attackers

Terry Engesha (Vihiga Queens), Rachael Mwema (Thika Queens), Janet Bundi (Vihiga Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Vihiga Queens), Lucy Mukhwana (Ulinzi Starlets), Neddy Akoth (Ulinzi Starlets), Mwanahalima Adam (Thika Queens), Violet Wanyonyi (Vihiga Queens), Elizabeth Wambui (Gaspo Women FC)