Harambee Starlets Set to Face Regional Rivals After Morocco Thrashing

Harambee Starlets have lined up more matches in the coming days as they aim to bounce back from a recent humbling by Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses in a high-stakes friendly encounter held in Tangier.

Despite the 5-1 defeat, head coach Beldine Odemba is optimistic about the team’s prospects as they head into the 2024 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship set for June 12-22 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

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The five-nation regional tournament will feature Kenya alongside hosts Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi, and South Sudan.

It serves as an important preparatory platform for CECAFA nations ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July in Morocco.

Starlets will be using the tournament as a double mission — building match fitness and cohesion ahead of their critical final round WAFCON qualifier against Gambia in October.

Kenya secured their place in the final round after edging out Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in a closely contested two-legged tie earlier this year. A win against Gambia will guarantee the Starlets a spot at the 2026 WAFCON tournament.

Coach Odemba, speaking after the Morocco friendlies, emphasized the importance of such international tests to gauge the team’s development.

“The loss was a lesson,” she said.

“It showed us the gaps we need to close. These games are not about results alone but about preparing a solid team for competitive football in October.”

The squad named for the Morocco tour included a mix of experienced regulars and promising new talent, with notable inclusions aimed at strengthening the team’s depth across all positions.

Among the first-timers to earn a call-up was Kibera Soccer Women’s standout goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo, who finished the domestic season as the second-best shot-stopper in the league.

She joined the more seasoned Annedy Kundu in guarding Kenya’s goal, as regular Lilian Awuor, currently playing in Romania, was unavailable.

Also making their debuts were Phoebe Aketch and Martha Amunyolet, formerly of Wiyeta Girls, whose club performances earned them national recognition.

Defender Leah Andiema, midfielder Diana Wacera, and striker Tumaini Waliaula made welcome returns to the squad, bringing experience and familiarity to the team setup.

The return of captain Dorcas Shikobe — who missed the April training camp in Ivory Coast due to injury — is a big boost to the defense.

Her leadership and composure are expected to play a key role in organizing the backline during the CECAFA tournament and beyond.

The Starlets’ midfield and attacking ranks are well-stacked with talent drawn from both local and foreign-based clubs.

Simba Queens midfielder Corazon Aquino leads a dynamic engine room that also includes Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, and Diana Wacera. Up front, Mwanahalima Adam and Emily Moranga are expected to spearhead the attack with support from Jentrix Shikangwa and Faith Mboya.

The 23-member squad will continue their preparations in Tanzania before kicking off their CECAFA campaign, which the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) sees as a strategic step towards long-term continental success.

Morocco lessons still fresh but Harambee Starlets are determined to use the regional tournament to fine-tune their strategy and build the momentum necessary for October’s decisive clash against Gambia.