Ulinzi Starlets sensation Neddy Akoth back as Starlets coach name provisional squad for Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
After missing out in action for the National women team, Harambee Starlets, Neddy Atieno is back after head coach Charles Okere named a provisional squad of 30 players for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Okere who succeeded David Ouma in April this year will be seeking a good start at the helm following a couple of changes in the team
Starlets will play against South Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers that is set for October 20, 2021. The second leg will be played three days later. Also making a return to the team is Ulinzi Starlet striker Lucy Mukhwana and Vihiga Queens striker Teresa Engesha. The team is expected to hit camp on Saturday, 9 October to kick off preparations ahead of the two-legged fixture.
This will be an interesting fixture for Kenya considering the fact that South Sudan’s assistant coach is a former Harambee Starlets player Florence Adhiambo who knows each and every player in the Kenya’s team.
Should Starlets go past South Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers, they will face either Uganda or Ethiopia in the second round. The winner form this round will book a place in AWCON finals that is set for Morocco.
The 2022 AWCON finals will double up as the qualifiers for the 2023 Women’s World Cup that will be hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand. The semi-finalists of the continental show-piece will gain automatic qualifications to the Women’s World Cup.
Starlets are seeking to make a second appearance in the continental show-piece following the 2016 event that was held in Cameroon where they failed to go past group stage.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Annete Kundu (Unattached),Pauline Katharu (Kibera Girls Soccer FC), Lilian Awour (Vihiga Queens FC),Maureen Shimuli (Ulinzi Starlets FC)
Defenders
Vivian Nasaka (Vihiga Queens FC), Juliet Andipo (Kayole Starlet FC), Dorcas Shikobe (Lakatamia FC), Lucy Akoth (Mathare United Women FC), Dorcas Neema (Nakuru Queens FC), Phoebe Awiti, Enez Mango(Vihiga Queens FC), Nelly Sawe (Thika Queens FC), Ruth Ingotsi (Unattached)
Midfielders
Sheril Angach ,Corazone Aquino (Gaspo Women), Mercy Oginga (Vihiga Queens FC),Lydia Akoth (Thika Queens FC), Lilian Mmboga, Lorna Nyarinda (Kibera Girls Soccer FC), Martha Amunyolet (Trans Nzoia Falcons FC), Maureen Ater (Vihiga Queens FC), Merceline Wayodi (Kisumu All Starlets FC)
Attackers
Terry Engesha, Jentrix Shikangwa, Violet Wanyonyi, Janet Bundi (Vihiga Queens), Rachael Mwema (Thika Queens), Lucy Mukhwana ,Neddy Akoth (Ulinzi Starlets), Mwanahalima Adam (Thika Queens), Elizabeth Wambui (Gaspo Women FC)