Coach Ouma picks Starlets squad for AWCON finals

Harambee Starlets Head Coach David Ouma has named a 21-member squad for the 2016 African Women Cup of Nations finals in Cameroon, maintaining a core unit of players who upset fancied sides to secure a ticket for the biennial championship.

The team is set to depart for Yaoundé, Cameroon on Friday, a fortnight before the championship kicks off on November 19.

There was no place for striker Neddy Atieno – who joined the KDF – after vain attempts by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) her coach to secure her services back at the squad.

Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor – a student at Nyakach Secondary School who earned his first call up following a stellar showing at the Eldoret East African Championships – has made the cut.

Samantha Akinyi and Vivian Akinyi will contest for the number one jersey with Awuor, while Lilian Adera, veteran Ann Aluoch, Doris Anyango, Dorcas Shikobe, Irene Awuor, Wendy-Ann Achieng and Elizabeth Mwikali form the defense unit.

Hero Cheris Avilia, who scored a stunning late equalizer against Algeria that sent Kenya to the Cameroon finals, leads the midfield that includes Carolyn Anyango, Vivian Corazone, Jacky Ogol, Lydia Akoth and Christine Nafula.

Ouma will have five attackers to choose from, led by prolific Esse Akida, Sharon Bushenei, Mary Kinuthia, Janet Moraa and Mercy Achieng.

Also traveling is the coaching staff of David Ouma (Head Coach), Odhiambo Mary Adhiambo (Assistant Coach) and Omondi Doreen Nabwire (Team Manager). The team departs on (Friday, November 4) at 7am.

Starlets will play Cameroon in a return leg friendly on Sunday in Yaoundé. Cameroon won the first leg 1-0, courtesy of Christine Maine.