The Kenya women’s national team, Harambee Starlets, has reached the fourth day of their residential training as of Wednesday, September 13, 2023, in preparation for their upcoming two-legged 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Cameroon.

Currently, 23 players have reported to camp, with the international players expected to start joining the squad on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

As part of their ongoing preparation, the team played against Kenya Police Bullets today and secured a 1-0 victory at Kasarani Annex.

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

South Korean-based forward Tereza Engesha joined the squad today evening.

Harambee Starlets is scheduled to depart for Cameroon on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in preparation for their first leg match, which is set to be played on Friday, September 22, 2023, in Douala. The team will return home on Sunday, September 24, 2023, in time for the second leg match on September 26, 2023.

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, 2023.

The victor of the second round will secure automatic qualification for the 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, hosted in Morocco.

Also read: Harambee Starlets Kick Start Preparations For 2024 WAFCON Qualifier against Cameroon

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

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

Defenders

Christine Awuor (Zetech Sparks) Juliet Andibo (Kenya Police Bullets), 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), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets)

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