Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has named the provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged qualification round against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) this September.
They will begin with the first leg in Cameroon on Friday, September 22, followed by the second leg at home on Tuesday, September 26. The squad features a blend of in-form local-based players and experienced foreign-based players.
Noteworthy additions to the squad are Soccer Assassins’ forward Valerie Leah Nekesa and Kenya Police Bullets defender Quinter Owiti, who earned their first senior call-ups after showcasing their prowess in the Junior Starlets squad. Joining the squad for the first time are Bunyore Starlets’ forward, Airin Madalina, Lavender Atieno, and Simba Queens goalkeeper, Caroline Rufa.
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Making a comeback to Harambee Starlets is SK Slavia Praha midfielder Marjolene Nekesa Ulinzi Starlets Mercy Airo and FC PAOK forward Esse Akida. Ketsi Ngaira from Ulinzi Starlets and Valentine Khwaka from Kenya Police Bullets have retained their spot in the national team receiving their second call-up. The team reports to camp on Sunday, September 10.
Provisional Squad; Goalkeepers; Valentine Khwaka (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitou FC), Caroline Rufa (Simba Queens).
Defenders; Christine Awuor (Zetech Sparks), Lavender Atieno Okeyo (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Phoebe Owiti (Vihiga Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Wincate Kaari (Yanga Princess), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Quinter Owiti (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Janet Moraa (Vihiga Queens).
Midfielders; Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Marjolene Nekesa(SK Slavia Praha), Mercyline Anyango (JFK Panthers).
Forwards; Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Topista Situma (Fountain Gates Princess), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Airin Madalina (Bunyore Starlets), Esse Akida (FC PAOK), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Purity Alukwe (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Valerie Leah Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), and Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets).