Esse Akida snubbed as Beldine Odemba names Harambee Starlets squad for Botswana double header

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FOOTBALL Esse Akida snubbed as Beldine Odemba names Harambee Starlets squad for Botswana double header

Festus Chuma 11:15 - 19.11.2023

The Greece-based forward is among the notable absentees from the Harambee Stars squad for 2024 WAFCON qualifier.

Harambee Starlets' head coach Beldine Odemba has announced a 29-player squad for their upcoming two-legged final round clash against Botswana in the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

Kenya earned their spot in the third round of the qualifiers after a thrilling penalty shootout victory over Cameroon at Nyayo National Stadium in September. 

Now, they are gearing up for the first leg of the final round, which will take place at home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, with the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, in Botswana.

Esse Akida, who has been a prominent figure in the Kenyan women's national team for years, finds herself absent from the squad due to her less-than-impressive performance in the previous outing against Cameroon.

Despite Akida's absence, head coach Beldine Odemba has shown confidence in the majority of the players who were part of the squad that faced Cameroon.

Notable returnees to the squad include Mercyline Wayodi from Vihiga Queens and Lorna Nyarinda from FK Apolonia Fier.

Marjolen Wafula Nekesa, who plays for top-tier Czech side Slavia Prague Women and recently led her team to the UEFA Women's Champions League group stages, is also making her comeback to the national team.

In a bid to strengthen the squad, coach Odemba has introduced some fresh faces. Kenya Police Bullets goalkeeper Mishi Mbaru, Bungoma Queens defender Centrine Wasike, and forwards Rebecca Okwaro from Kenya Police Bullets and Nancy Atako from Kibera Soccer Ladies have all earned their first call-ups to the national team.

Additionally, two rising talents, Joy Kinglady and Fasila Odhiambo from Ulinzi Starlets, have been promoted to the senior team from Rising Starlets.

The Harambee Starlets are set to enter their training camp on Monday, November 20, 2023, where they will fine-tune their skills and strategies ahead of the crucial qualifiers. 

The entire nation will be eagerly watching as the team aims to secure their place in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, which would be a significant achievement for Kenyan women's football. 

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu (Ness Atromitou FC), Caroline Rufa (Simba Queens), Lilian Awuor (ASJ Soyaux Charente), Mishi Mbaru (Kenya Police Bullets)

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Phoebe Owiti (Gokulam Kerala FC), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevana), Juliet Auma (Kenya Police Bullets), Centrine Wasike (Bungoma Queens), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Enez Mango (Farul Constata), Fosca Nashivanda (Zetech Sparks)

Midfielders: Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Ketsia Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Lorna Nyarinda (FK Apolonia Fier), Mercyline Wayodi (Vihiga Queens), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets), Marjolene Nekesa (SK Slavia Praha), Cynthia Shilwatso (FC Kryvbas Women)

Forwards: Mwanalima Adam (Hakkarigucuspor), Joy Kinglady (Ulinzi Starlets), Jentrix Shikangwa (Beijing Jingtan FC), Tereza Engesha (Hyundai Steel R.A), Violet Nanjala (AMLFF LAAYOUNE), Airine Madalina (Bunyore Starlets), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens) Janet Bundi (Vihiga Queens), Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets), Nancy Atako (Kibera Girls Soccer)

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