Women’s football is popular in Kenya. Kenya Women’s Football Federation was formed in 1993. It created the first national women’s football team, popularly known as the Harambee Starlets the same year. Betway offers different betting markets for women’s football. Harambee Starlets will face Malawi on September 1, 2019, in the Tokyo Olympic qualifier. Read on to learn more about the Kenyan team and its preparations.
The First Leg Match
Harambee Starlets will face Malawi in the Olympic qualifier first leg on August 28, 2019. The Football Kenya Federation chose a provisional squad comprising 39 players. They will set camp in Nairobi on July 14, 2019. Most of the squad’s players took part in the 2018 African Women Cup of Nations qualification games against Equatorial Guinea and Uganda.
The players will have a five-day camp and train vigorously at Camp Toyoyo, Nairobi. They will take a break from July 19 to return to their local clubs and play in the upcoming Women Premier League games.
Kenya lost the first qualifiers round. The team will face Ghana or Gabon if they defeat Malawi in the first and second legs. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will pick top teams in the qualifiers round to compete in the 2020 Japan Olympics. Punters will get the latest Betway promotions when they wager on any team in this year’s Olympic qualifiers.
The first leg’s provisional squad will comprise the following players:
• Goalkeepers: Wilfrida Seda, Judith Osimbo, Lilian Awuor, Annette Kundu and Elizabeth Atieno.
• Defenders: Maureen Khakasa, Lilian Adera, Vivian Nasaka, Dorcas Sikobe, Enez Mango, Lydia Akoth, Stella Anyango and Lidiah Nasike.
• Midfielders: Sheril Angachi, Myline Awuor, Cynthia Shilwatso, Yvonne Kavere, Vivian Corazone, Cynthia Matekwa, Rebecca Akinyi, Janet Bundi, Maurine Achieng, Bertha Omita, Martha Amunyolete, Rachael Muema, Mwanahalima Adam and Elizabeth Wambui.
• Forwards: Tumaini Waliaula, Topista Nafula, Mercy Airo, Terry Engesha, Phoebe Owiti, Cynthia Achieng, Susan Muhonja, Elizabeth Katungwa, and Winnie Kanyotu.
Harambee Starlet’s Second Leg Clash with Malawi
CAF allowed Kenya to hold their Olympic qualifier against Malawi behind closed doors. The game will be held at Machakos Stadium on September 1, 2019. Initially, it was to be played at Kasarani Stadium but unfortunately, the stadium won’t be available at the time. David Ouma, The team’s head coach believes that the Starlets will defeat Malawi by a huge goal margin. Vivian Corazone and Mwanahalima Adam will form the attacking squad.
Both teams need to win the match to proceed to the third qualifiers round. Kenya will need to have a large goal margin in the next match in case they lose the first leg game against Malawi. Ouma advices his attackers to score goals in the first half of the match and to maintain the lead. Spectators won’t be allowed into the stadium.
The following players will feature in the second leg match:
• Goalkeeper: Annette Kundu
• Defenders: Nelly Sawe, Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, and Vivian Nasaka
• Midfielders: Elizabeth Wambui, Janet Moraa, Cynthia Shiwalto, and Sheril Angachi
• Forwards: Vivian Corazone and Mwanahalima Adam
• Substitutes: Jentrix Shikangwa, Judith Osimbo, Lucy Akoth, Lydia Akoth, Foscah Nadhivanda, Topistar Nafula, Wincate Kaari, Mercy Airo and Bertha Omita.
Harambee Starlets are among the top women’s football teams in East Africa. The team comprises of talented players from different local leagues.
Richard Kanyi, the current Starlets’ coach is optimistic that his side will defeat Malawi. Soccer fans can wager on Harambee Starlets in Betway to make a profit. You can get match updates on LiveScore.
