Kenya face Morocco in a friendly match to prepare for October’s Wafcon qualifiers against Gambia.
The national women’s soccer team, Harambee Starlets, is set to face hosts Morocco in an international friendly match on Wednesday evening at The Village Sportif de Tanger Stadium in Tangier.
Kick-off is scheduled for 7pm local time (9pm Kenyan time), as the two sides renew their growing rivalry in women’s football.
Benni McCarthy has named his 24-man travelling Harambee Stars squad to Morocco to take on Chad in back-to-back friendly encounters as he continues preparing charges for CHAN 2024.
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A 23-member Kenyan squad under head coach Beldine Odemba arrived in Morocco on Monday, giving them just a day to acclimatize to the North African conditions before facing the world’s 60th-ranked side.
The match serves as an important test and preparation for the Starlets ahead of their upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) second-round qualifiers against Gambia in October.
Odemba is using the friendly to assess her squad’s readiness and build momentum for the continental showdown.
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McDonald Mariga has revealed why the Wanyama Football Academy, which he co-owns with his brother Victor, has yet to be opened two years since announcing to the public it was close to completion.
Kenya, currently ranked 142nd by FIFA, heads into the tie with a mix of experience and fresh energy, hoping to sharpen their tactical execution and team chemistry.
Rekindling Rivalry With Morocco
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Harambee Starlets will play friendly matches against Ivory Coast. Photo/FKF
Kenya and Morocco last met in December 2023 in back-to-back friendly encounters.
The first match ended in a 2-2 draw before the Harambee Starlets produced a dominant display to win the second game 5-0, a result that will surely boost the Kenyan camp’s morale going into this fixture.
Among the notable returnees to the squad are defenders Phoebe Aketch and Leah Andiema, midfielders Diana Wacera and Martha Amunyolete, and striker Tumaini Waliaula. Captain Dorcas Shikobe also makes a comeback from injury, bringing valuable leadership and experience to the side.
Also included in the squad is goalkeeper Vivian Shilweno from Kibera Soccer Women, who impressed during the just-concluded FKF Women’s Premier League with 13 clean sheets.
Shilweno will be competing for a starting berth with seasoned goalkeeper Annedy Kundu.
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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has left Al Duhail as their all-time top scorer and is now being urged to make a legacy-cementing move.
Blending Experience With Youth
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The Starlets squad features a strong defensive lineup, including Ruth Ingosi, Enet Munga, and Vivian Nasaka, who are expected to hold their own against a technically sound Moroccan side.
In midfield, the presence of Corazone Aquino, Fasila Adhiambo, and Sheryl Angach provides depth and creative options.
Up front, the striking force is led by Mwanahalima Adam, supported by Violet Nanjala, Jeniffer Shikangwa, Faith Mbiyo, Emily Morang’a, and the ever-reliable Elizabeth Wambui. With such attacking talent, Kenya will be aiming to test the Moroccan backline and push for a morale-boosting result.
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Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga has repeatedly shocked the football world with record-breaking performances and clutch goals across Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Having edged Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in the first round of the Wafcon qualifiers earlier this year, the Harambee Starlets are now looking to fine-tune their game plan and maintain competitive sharpness ahead of October’s crucial ties.
A strong performance in Tangier would not only boost their confidence but also signal their intent on the continental stage.
