Kenyan national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, will be back on the pitch this evening against Ivory Coast at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Today’s match venue is familiar to Kenya, following their 2-0 loss in the first friendly played on Friday, April 4.

Grace Ndri scored the opener just eight minutes into the match, while Mariam sealed the win for the hosts, striking the second goal in the 51st minute, ending Kenya’s search for an equaliser.

Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba made bold changes to her matchday squad, giving several players who sat out the game against Tunisia in February a chance to start.

From the squad that defeated Tunisia 1-0 away from home to secure a place in the second round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Ruth Ingosi, Janet Mumo, Lavender Akinyi, Corazon Aquino and Jentrix Shikangwa were all handed starting roles. Police FC’s Annedy Kundu was also deployed between the sticks, while Lillian Awour watched from the bench.

Kibera Girls Soccer duo Tabitha Amoit and Faith Mboya made their debut appearances against the West African nation.

Simba Queens’ left-footed defender Wincate Kaari also earned a starting role, as did Ulinzi Starlets midfielders Sheryl Angachi and Fasila Adhiambo.

Assistant captain Corazon Aquino stated that the team has had time to correct the mistakes that led to the unexpected loss last Friday.

“The game was okay but not as fine as we had expected because we lost. However, we have had three days of training to make corrections from our previous mistakes as we go into the next match.