Odemba names Harambee Starlets squad for Ivory Coast friendlies

Harambee Starlets head coach, Beldine Odemba, has unveiled a 23-player squad set to travel to Abidjan for two international friendly matches against the Ivory Coast women’s team.

Starlets will be without their captain, Dorcas Shikobe, who suffered an injury while playing for her Greek club, Sirines of Grevena.

But coach Odemba has made four additions from the team that defeated Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in the first round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

They are; Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka, Lucy Kwekwe, and Faith Mboya.

Nasaka was initially called up for the Tunisia clash, but missed out due to an injury sustained at her club, Hakkarigucuspor.

Meanwhile, Mboya, who did not make the final squad in Tunisia, now has an opportunity to prove her mettle in these crucial friendly matches.

Starlets will face Ivory Coast on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 10.00 EAT in Abidjan, before meeting again on Tuesday, April 8, 2025 at the same time.

Ivory Coast are ranked 71st in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings, while Kenya climbed seven places to position 142.

Coach Odemba emphasized the importance of the upcoming matches.

“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 noted.

“It’s unfortunate that 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,” she continued.

The team is scheduled to depart for Abidjan on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, as they eye a historic return to WAFON, where they last featured in 2016.

They however have to conquer Gambia in October to secure their spot in the continental showpiece. 

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor

Defenders

Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Wincate Kaari, Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka

Corazone Aquino, Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Akinyi, Lydia Akoth, Sheryl Angach

Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Jentrix Shikangwa, Tereza Engesha , Faith Mboya