Harambee Starlets upbeat ahead of Morocco duel in Tangier

Harambee Starlets will be keen to return to winning ways when they face Morocco today at 9pm East African Time in an international friendly match scheduled to be played at the Stade du Village Sportif de Tanger in Tangier, Morocco.

The Kenya national women’s football team lost to Ivory Coast 2-0 their last time out and attacking midfielder Tumaini Waliaula believes they have trained enough to bounce back to winning ways.

Waliaula believes the friendly will be key for Kenya who are preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Kenya are set to play Gambia on October 20th.

“I am very happy to be part of the team because it’s been a long time since I played for Kenya. This friendly is very key for us as we head towards the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

“The experience of playing against top teams is important for us and I believe we will be a better team when the qualifiers start,” said Tumaini Waliaula.

Starlets captain Dorca Shikobe added that they will be gauging themselves and using the friendly to develop team chemistry and rectify their mistakes.

“We want to be ready for the qualifiers. I thank the federation for organizing such friendlies which will surely help us identify key areas that need correction,” said Shikobe.

Among the notable additions in the team is Kibera Soccer Women goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo, who finished second in the 2024/25 season for most clean sheets.

Defender Leah Andiema, forward Tumaini Waliaula, and midfielder Diana Wacera return to the national fold, while Phoebe Aketch and Martha Amunyolet have also earned call-ups following solid performances at club level.

Captain Dorcas Shikobe makes her comeback after missing the April camp in Ivory Coast due to injury, bringing back leadership and experience to the squad.

Notably absent from the list is goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who is currently in Romania. Due to her ongoing work permit application, Awuor cannot leave the country, as stepping out would complicate the processing of her documents.

Coach Odemba emphasized that the friendly will be a vital opportunity to assess the team’s progress ahead of the crucial WAFCON qualifier. The Starlets aim to return to the continental tournament for the first time since their debut in 2016.