Kenya’s Harambee Stars have left the country for Cameroon to face the hosts in two-legged 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

Harambee Starlets’ first leg match is set to be played on Friday, September 22, in Douala while the team will return home on Sunday, September 24, in time for the second leg match on September 26.

Head coach Beldine Odemba expressed her optimism, stating, “The camp is progressing well, and we are awaiting the arrival of international players like Mwanahalima Dogo, Jentrix Shikangwa, Esse Akida, among others. “They bring experience to the team and can instill confidence in the new call-ups.”

She went on to emphasise the team’s approach, saying: “Our objective is to be proactive in Cameroon, focusing on goal-scoring rather than adopting a defensive strategy.”

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 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco.

Kenya 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), and Juliet Auma (Kenya Police Bullets).

Midfielders; Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women), Sheryl Angachi (Ulinzi Starlets), Vivian Corazone (Simba Queens), Mercyline Anyango (JFK Panthers), and 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), and Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets).