Mwanahalima to lead Harambee Starlets attack ahead of Zambia friendly

Mwanahalima Adam of National Women football team, Harambee Starlets, Lost 3-1 to the National U15 football team in a build-up friendly match played at the Utalii Grounds on Saturday, November 3, 2018. [Jonah, Onyango, Standard]

Thika Queen's top scorer Mwanahalima Adams will lead the Harambee Starlets star-studded team ahead of the international friendly match against Zambia’s Copper Queens on April 24.

Starlets head coach David Ouma named his provisional 30-member squad to be captained by veteran player Dorcas Shikobe on Friday evening.

The national women’s football team is expected to start residential training on April 15 and Ouma named FKF Women’s Premier League Zone A top scorer Mwanahalima to lead his attacking line.

Joining the Thika Queens star is former Kisumu All Starlets striker Mercy Airo who has scored nine goals for Gaspo Women, debutants Faith Machora of Zetech and Kenya national women’s hockey captain Gilly Okumu.

In goal, Cyprus-based shot-stopper Annette Kundu of AEL Champions will lead between the posts alongside Valentine Khwaka of Mathare United Ladies, Pauline Muthakye of Kibera Soccer Ladies and Judith Osimbo of Gaspo Ladies.

Captain Shikobe will seek to continue his defensive dominance ahead of international player Ruth Ingotsi of AEL Champions, Quinter Owiti, Foscah Nashivanga, Vivian Nasaka, Juliet Andipo and Lucy Nato.

In the midfield, Corazone Aquino and Sheryl Angachi both Gaspo Women will hope to extend their club partnership in the national team ahead of Laventine Lihemo, Topister Situma, Martha Amnyolete, Rael Kamanda and Diana Wacera among others.

However, former Turkey based forward Esse Akida currently with Thika Queens and Ulinzi Starlets’ Neddy Atieno are missing from the squad.

Also, Zone “B” top scorer Tereza Engesha of Vihiga Queens who has scored a massive 14 goals did not make the cut.

Wadadia's Ruth Chebungei, who has 12 goals, and Violet Nanjala of Tans Nzoia Falcons with 11 goals have also been overlooked.

Harambee Starlets Mwanahalima Adam (left) and Black Queens' Linda Eshun of Ghana exchange penchants during friendly match at Kasarani Stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

CECAFA top scorer Jentrix Shikangwa will also miss the friendly due to the ongoing commitments of taking her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.

Provisional squad

Forwards-Mwanahalima Adam (Thika Queens), Mercy Airo (Gaspo Women), Gilly Okumu, Faith Machora (Zetech)

Midfielders- Diana Wacera, Corazone Aquino and Sheryl Angachi (all Gaspo Women), Lillian Mmboga (Kibera Soccer Ladies), Lydia Akoth (Thika Queens), Laventine Lihemo (Kibera Soccer Ladies), Topister Situma (Vihiga Queens), Puren Alukwe (Zetech Sparks), (Gaspo Women), Rael Kamanda (Makolanders), Janet Bundi (Vihiga Queens), Siliya Rasoha (Ulinzi Starlets), Rachael Muema (Thika Queens), Martha Amnyolete (Trans Nzoia Falcons)

Defenders: Ruth Ingotsi (AEL Champions), Quinter Owiti, Dorcas Shikobe, Foscah Nashivanga, Nelly Sawe (all Thika Queens), Leah Cherotich (Gaspo), Vivian Nasaka (Vihiga Queens), Juliet Andipo (Kayole Starlet), Lucy Nato (Ulinzi)

Goalkeepers: Valentine Khwaka (Mathare United Ladies), Pauline Muthakye (Kibera Soccer Ladies), Annette Kundu (AEL Champions), Judith Osimbo (Gaspo Ladies)