The Harambee Starlets wrapped up their April FIFA window with two international friendlies against Ivory Coast’s Women’s National Team in Abidjan, as part of their preparation for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
Despite losing 2-0 in both matches, head coach Beldine Odemba emphasized the importance of these high-level friendlies for testing the squad, building team cohesion, and pinpointing areas for improvement ahead of their crucial WAFCON qualifier against Gambia in October.
“These friendlies were vital for assessing our current level, building consistency, and identifying areas to improve. Facing strong teams like Ivory Coast helps us understand how to prepare for what’s next,” Odemba said.
Coach Odemba kept much of the squad that triumphed in the first round against Tunisia, adding key players such as Vivian Nasaka, Ann Norah, Faith Mboya, and Lucy Kwekwe.
“We aim to take advantage of every FIFA window to expose our players to quality opposition. This is how we grow and prepare a team capable of competing at the highest level,” she added.
The Starlets now turn their focus to the final WAFCON qualifying round against Gambia in October, with victory securing Kenya’s second-ever appearance in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, following their debut in 2016.
