Harambee Starlets shine in Turkish Women Cup after beating Northern Ireland 2-0

Harambee Starlets players during a recovery training session at Camp Toyoyo stadium, Jericho in Nairobi on February 28, 2020. [Photo: Stafford Ondego]

Harambee Starlets eased past Northern Ireland with a comfortable 2-0 win in their opening match of the Turkish Women Cup on Wednesday.

Starlets’ Janet Bundi broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after a cagey first half at the Gold City Sport Complex.

CECAFA Women’s Championship 2019 top scorer Jentrix Shikangwa added a second in the 75th minute to kill the mouth-watering match.

The Kenyans will now face Chile on Saturday at the Starlight Sport Complex, before their final group A action against Uzbekistan on Tuesday next week.

Starlets head coach David Ouma on Tuesday named his final squad of 21, including Chapa Dimba Na Safaricom tournament star Jane Njeri.

Ouma, however, has dropped four players including Thika Queens' Phiona Ariko, Cynthia Livondo of Trans Nzoia Falcons, Cynthia Shilwatso of Vihiga Queens and Elizabeth Katungwa of Mombasa Olympics all were in the initial 25 team provisional squad.

Starting Lineup

Judith Osimbo(GK), Vivian Nasaka, Nelly Sawe, Dorcas Shikobe, Dorcas Shiveka, Mercy Airo, Topista Situma, Sheryl Angachi, Mwanalima Adam, Jentrix Shikangwa, Janet Bundi

Substitutes

Monica Odato(GK), Stella Anolo (GK), Lucy Akoth, Purity Alukwe, Lydia Waganda Jane Njeri, Stella Anyango, Rachael Muema, Foscah Nashivanda, Sylvia Makhungu

Starlets will use the tournament to warm up for the first round of the 2020 Women Cup of Nations in April where they are set to play against Tanzania.