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Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named the travelling squad that will play Cameroon for their first leg of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

The 23-player squad has experienced players like Esse Akida, Jentrix Shikangwa, Cynthia Shilwatso, Sheryl Angachi, Vivian Corazone, and Mercyline Anyango.

Mercy Njeri, who was recently given a call-up, has also been named in the travelling party.

Adam optimistic

Ahead of the crucial game that will be played on Friday, September 22, 2023, Starlets’ forward Mwanahalima Adam affirmed their readiness to beat their rivals.

“We can now pride ourselves that, as a country, we also have players playing at the top level in Europe, and that is a big plus for the team and also for the upcoming players. It is a big motivation for them.

“I am very happy to be back, and I promise Kenyans that we will show up for them. I also urge them to show up and support us when we play at home next week. Cameroon must fall,” she said.

Starlets will return to Nairobi on Sunday, September 24, before the return action that is slated for September 26. 

If Starlets overcome the Cameroon hurdle, they will then face Gabon or Botswana in the second round.

The winner of the second round of action, slated between November 27 and December 5, will then secure a ticket to the WAFCON finals to be held in Morocco in 2024.

Travelling Squad

Goalkeepers: Valentine Kwaka (Kenya Police Bullets FC), Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitos FC), and 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), 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)