Harambee Starlets duo set lofty WAFCON target

Harambee Starlets vice captain Ruth Ingosi has opened up about the high standards that the team has set for themselves in the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Kenya qualified to the continental tourney after a two-legged victory over The Gambia, marking a return to the prestigious tournament after a decade-long absence.

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The Starlets are currently in camp, sharpening their skills for the difficult and important duty that awaits them.

Speaking to FKF Media from their Kasarani Stadium training base, the Simba Queens defender disclosed the audacious ambition that the team bears.

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“Training has been good for the past week and everyone is psyched up for the task ahead. 

The team is largely composed of new members but none is new to football. As a team, we are targeting the semi-final,” said Ingosi

Her words were echoed by Trinity Starlets forward Eglay Mukwana, who is part of the provisional squad in camp.

“Our aim is to reach the semi-final, and I believe with the preparations that we have had, we will reach the semi-final,” said Mukwana.

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Kenya has been placed in Group A alongside African giants and hosts Morocco and Senegal, as well as Algeria.

Starlets will open their campaign on 17 March when the tournament kicks off with a clash against Morocco before facing Senegal on 20 March and completing the group stage on 23 March against Algeria.

Coach Beldine Odemba is currently working on trimming her provisional squad to about 23 players who will represent the country in Morocco.

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Harambee Starlets provisional squad

Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets).

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Diana Ochol (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercyline Mejor (Trinity Starlets), Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets).

Midfielders: Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Vidah Akeyo (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets)

Forwards: Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets)

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