Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 23-player squad set to travel for two high-profile friendly matches against the Ivory Coast.
Among the notable inclusions is Faith Mboya, who has been given a chance to prove herself on the international stage. Mboya, who missed out on the final squad for the first round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Tunisia.
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The goal poacher has scored 8 goals in the FKF Women Premier League for Kibera Soccer Women, having joined the club in the mid-season transfer window from FKF National Super League side Sunderland Samba where she scored 15 goals and is still leading the top-scorers chart in the second tier.
She has now been called up alongside Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka, and Lucy Kwekwe. Nasaka was part of the initial call-up for the Tunisia clash but had to withdraw due to an injury sustained while playing for her Turkish club, Hakkarigucuspor.
Despite these reinforcements, Harambee Starlets will be without their captain, Dorcas Shikobe, who suffered an injury while representing her Greek club, Sirines of Grevena. Speaking to the national team media about the squad selection, Coach Odemba emphasized the importance of continuity and minimal changes to maintain team cohesion.
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“The purpose of these friendlies is to evaluate our progress, identify areas for improvement, and build on our strengths. That’s why I’ve made minimal changes to the squad from the Tunisia camp—to get a clear picture of where we stand as a team,” she stated.
The CAF A-licensed coach also expressed regret over the absence of Shikobe but remained optimistic about the team’s preparations, “Unfortunately, we’ll be missing our captain, Dorcas Shikobe, due to an injury she picked up in Greece. I wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to having her back in our future matches.”
The friendly matches against Ivory Coast will serve as a key test for the team as they continue their journey toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The squad is set to depart for Abidjan on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
Harambee Starlets Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu and Lilian Awuor
Defenders: Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Wincate Kaari, Ann Norah and Vivian Nasaka
Midfielders: Corazone Aquino, Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Akinyi, Lydia Akoth and Sheryl Angach
Forwards: Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Jentrix Shikangwa, Tereza Engesha and Faith Mboya
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