- Harambee Starlets face Ivory Coast on Wednesday night at 2200EAT.
- The match will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Ebimpé.
- Starlets fell to a 2-0 defeat in their first friendly against Benin on Monday.
Ivory Coast will host the Harambee Starlets at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium on Wednesday night with the visitors looking to redeem themselves following a disappointing start to their West African tour.
The Kenya women’s football team arrived in Abidjan full of optimism, but a 2-0 defeat in their first friendly against Benin on Monday has served as a sharp reality check.
With the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just three weeks away, the Starlets need a disciplined performance to prove they can compete with the continent’s heavyweights.
The Ivorians enter this clash as favorites, buoyed by their superior FIFA ranking (72) as compared to Kenya (133) and the advantage of playing at their national stadium. For Les Éléphantes, this match is a vital to build momentum ahead of WAFCON.
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What time does Harambee Starlets face Ivory Coast?
The match will take place at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium, Ebimpé. Kickoff is scheduled for 2200EAT.
Team News
Ivory Coast
Coach Reynald Pedros has a formidable squad at his disposal, led by the dangerous Washington Spirit forward Rosemonde Kouassi who is expected to lead the line and French based Strasbourg attacker Konan Ines.
Sery Ruth and Konan Ines who scored in the first friendly fixture against Benin coul offer problems to the team.
Harambee Starlets
Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor is expected to retain her spot despite the two goals conceded on Monday.
While there are no fresh injury concerns reported after the Benin match, rotation is expected. U20 Star Valerie Nekesa is pushing for a start upfront.
Predicted Lineups
Ivory Coast
Kimou Amani, Aminata Kakounan, Fofana Aicha, Diakité Nathy, Kpaho Nina, Diakité Mariam, Kouassi Rosemonde, Sunday Ruth, Ouattara Habibou, Oura Safi, Koffi Ines.
Harambee Starlets
Lilian Awuor, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Lydia Akoth, Mwanalima Adam,Martha Amunyolete, Jentrix Shikangwa, Fasila Adhiambo, Elizabeth Wambui.
Head-to-head
The two nations have met only twice in the senior category with The Les Elephants winning the two friendly ties with identical 2-0 scores in April 2025.
Kenya’s struggle against West African opposition has been a recurring theme, with the Starlets often struggling to match the physical intensity and transitional speed of teams like the Elephants.
Last Five Matches
Ivory Coast – WLDWD
Kenya – LDLWW
The technical gap and home advantage should favor the hosts, especially given Kenya’s recent defensive lapses.
Harambee Starlets will be hoping to secure a positive result because after this match, the team will travel to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp until March 15.