Kenyan squad trimmed to 25 ahead of Ghana friendly

Harambee Starlets coach David Ouma has axed seven players from the initial 32, who hit camp ahead of the upcoming Awcon finals in Ghana.

The squad will further be trimmed to 21 before the team jets out to Ghana on November 14, 2018, ahead of the continental showpiece.

Among those who have been retained in the team that is currently camping in Nairobi are influential forwards Mary Kinuthia and Mwanahalima Adams, as well as midfielders Corazone Aquino and Christine Nafula. Israel based Esse Akida, has also been included in the team.

The Starlets will face off with Ghana on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at the Kasarani Stadium starting 4 pm in a build-up with another friendly against Mali also lined up.

Starlets have been pooled in a tough Group B alongside defending champions Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia. Kenya will open their campaign with a clash against Zambia on November 18, then face South Africa on November 21 before winding up their preliminary matches against Nigeria on November 24.

Kenya took part in the last edition held in Cameroon, where they, crashed out in preliminary stages. Nigeria, in particular, handed Kenya a 4-0 defeat, having lost the opener 3-1 to Ghana and another identical scoreline defeat by Mali.

Starlets squad in camp; Goalkeepers: Pauline Atieno, Monica Karambu, Maureen Shimuli and Annette Kundu.

Defenders: Dorcas Shikobe, Elizabeth Ambogo, Wendy Achieng, Lilian Adera, Elizabeth Wambui, Vivian Nasaka, Maureen Kakhasa and Ruth Ingosi.

Midfielders: Cynthia Shilwatso, Corazone Aquino, Sheryl Angachi, Neddy Atieno, Mary Kinuthia, Cheris Avilia, Christine Nafula, Mercy Achieng and Mwanalima Adams.

Forwards: Terry Engesha, Phoebe Oketch, Janet Moraa and Esse Akida.