2026 WAFCON: Odemba reveals importance of Ivory Coast friendly

Photo Credit - FKF Media.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has emphasized the importance of the upcoming friendly matches against Ivory Coast.

Odemba has already named a 23-player squad set to travel for two high profile friendlies. In the squad, she made only a few additions from the core team that triumphed over Tunisia in the first round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.

The changes include Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka, Lucy Kwekwe, and Faith Mboya. Nasaka, who was initially called up for the Tunisia clash, missed out due to an injury sustained at her club, Hakkarigucuspor.

Meanwhile, Mboya, who didn’t make the final squad in Tunisia, now has an opportunity to prove her mettle in these crucial matches. However, Harambee Starlets will be without their captain, Dorcas Shikobe, who suffered an injury while playing for her Greek club, Sirines of Grevena.

“The purpose of these friendlies is to evaluate our progress, identify areas for improvement, and build on our strengths. That’s why I’ve made minimal changes to the squad from the Tunisia camp—to get a clear picture of where we stand as a team,” said Odemba.

On the absence of Shikobe, Odemba explained: “It’s unfortunate that we’ll be missing our captain, Dorcas Shikobe, due to an injury she picked up in Greece. I wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to having her back in our future matches.”

The team is scheduled to depart for Abidjan on Wednesday, 2 April, 2025, as they continue their journey towards securing a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

The Travelling Squad;

Goalkeepers; Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor.

Defenders; Enez Mango, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Wincate Kaari, Ann Norah, Vivian Nasaka.

Midfielders; Corazone Aquino, Cynthia Shilwatso, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Akinyi, Lydia Akoth, Sheryl Angach.

Forwards; Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Jentrix Shikangwa, Tereza Engesha , Faith Mboya.