Coach Godfrey Oduor has announced his 43-player provisional squad for the Harambee Starlets' 2028 CAF Women's Olympic qualifiers against Seychelles. The squad includes Jentrix Shikangwa and Corazone Aquino, who have been recalled to the team. Shikangwa plays for Egypt's FC Masar, while Aquino features for Tanzania's Simba Queens. They were previously left out of the squad that participated in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) under former coach Beldine Odemba.
The Harambee Starlets squad also welcomes back Panetolikos GFS's attacker Catherine Khaemba, who missed WAFCON due to injury. Coach Oduor has blended emerging talent with experience in his first assignment, handing five players their maiden call-up. The newcomers include Shabana Starlets' defender Hellen Ochieng, Abigael Njeru from Madira Soccer Assassins, Gideon Starlets midfielder Mercyline Wafula, Vihiga Queens' midfielder Josephine Warenga, and Kayole Starlets attacker Magneta Ocharo.
The provisional squad features a mix of local and international players. Regulars such as Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Fasila Adhiambo, Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Mwanalima Adam have been included. The team will face Seychelles in a two-legged first-round tie, with the first leg scheduled for October 8th in Seychelles and the return leg at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium on October 12th.
The winner of the tie will advance to the next stage of the qualification campaign, with two African teams eventually earning places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. Coach Oduor's squad selection aims to strengthen the team's chances of progressing in the qualifiers. The team's preparation and performance will be crucial in determining their success in the competition.
The Harambee Starlets squad comprises goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from various clubs. The goalkeepers include Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo, Juliet Adhiambo, and Monica Odato. The defenders feature Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Ochaka, Norah Ann, Leah Andiema, Vivian Nasaka, and Enez Mango, among others.
The midfielders and forwards also boast an impressive lineup. Midfielders include Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Mercy Airo, Martha Amunyolete, and Elizabeth Mideva. Forwards feature Tereza Engesha, Faith Mboya, Violet Nanjala, Eglay Mukhwana, and Shaline Nambengele, among others. The team's diverse talent pool will be essential in their quest for success.
The Harambee Starlets will look to make a strong impression in the qualifiers and ultimately secure a spot at the 2028 Olympic Games. With a balanced squad and a determined coach, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the competition. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Key points
- Jentrix Shikangwa and Corazone Aquino have been recalled to the Harambee Starlets squad for the 2028 CAF Women's Olympic qualifiers against Seychelles.
