Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named her squad that is set to travel for two friendly matches against Ivory Coast in Abidjan.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThe first match is scheduled for Friday, 4 April, with the return fixture set for Tuesday, 8 April. These matches serve as crucial preparations for the Harambee Starlets ahead of their WAFCON qualification final-round ties against The Gambia in October 2025.##NAJAVA_MECA_8814229##Coach Odemba has retained the core of the squad that triumphed over Tunisia in the first round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers. However, she has introduced a few new faces, including Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka, Lucy Kwekwe, and the promising young striker, Faith Mboya.Nasaka, who was initially called up for the Tunisia clash, 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 herself in these crucial encounters.The team, however, will be without their captain, Dorcas Shikobe, who suffered an injury while playing for her Greek club, Sirines of Grevena.Speaking about the squad, coach Odemba emphasized the significance 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 also expressed her disappointment over the absence of captain Shikobe, the longest-serving member of the squad. “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.”The team is set to depart for Abidjan on Wednesday, 2 April, as they continue their journey towards securing a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.Travelling squadGoalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Lilian AwuorDefenders: Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Wincate Kaari, Ann Norah, Vivian NasakaMidfielders: Corazone Aquino, Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Akinyi, Lydia Akoth, Sheryl AngachiForwards: Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Jentrix Shikangwa, Tereza Engesha, Faith Mboya
