Kenya’s senior women’s national football team, the Harambee Starlets, is set to play two high-profile international friendlies against Ivory Coast in April. The first match is scheduled for Friday, April 4, 2025, while the second will take place on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Both matches will be played at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan, kicking off at 7 PM local time (10 PM East African Time) under the floodlights.
These matches provide a much-needed opportunity for the Starlets to test themselves against a higher-ranked opponent, as Ivory Coast is currently ranked 71st in the world. Kenya, on the other hand, has been battling to improve its FIFA ranking after a period of inactivity due to the recent FIFA ban on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) and lack of action during FIFA Windows. The ban led to a lack of international fixtures, resulting in Kenya’s rankings plummeting. However, the Harambee Starlets have shown signs of progress, recently rising seven places from 149 to 142 in the FIFA rankings after a draw and a 1-0 victory over Tunisia in February.
These two friendly matches will serve as crucial preparations for Kenya’s upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier final round against The Gambia. Meanwhile, Ivory Coast, who did not participate in the first round of WAFCON qualifiers due to their top-seeded status, will use these friendlies to fine-tune their squad ahead of their final qualification round against Senegal in October.
Key Threats: Ivory Coast Players to Watch
Kenya’s defense will have to be at its best to contain some of Ivory Coast’s top attacking talents, who bring experience from some of the world’s most competitive leagues.
- Amon Rébecca Grâce Elloh – The forward plays for Spanish Liga F side Levante, one of the top teams in Spain’s top-tier women’s league. Known for her speed, technical ability, and goal-scoring instincts, Elloh will be a major threat to the Harambee Starlets’ backline.
- Priscille Kreto Lagoali – One of Ivory Coast’s rising stars, she recently played a pivotal role in TP Mazembe’s CAF Women’s Champions League triumph, proving her ability to perform on the big stage. Her physicality and finishing ability make her a dangerous forward.
- Akissi Inès Mikouame Konan – A forward who currently plays for FC Fleury in France, one of the top clubs in Division 1 Féminine. Her experience in European football brings a level of technical sophistication that could challenge Kenya’s defensive organization.
Kenya’s Big Test
For Kenya, these matches are more than just friendlies. They present an opportunity to keep the squad engaged in a FIFA international window, build team cohesion, and gain invaluable experience against a strong opponent. The Starlets’ performances will also be crucial in continuing their climb in the FIFA rankings as they prepare for their WAFCON qualification showdown against The Gambia.
Kenyan football fans will be eager to see how the Harambee Starlets rise to the occasion in Abidjan, as the team looks to build momentum and establish itself as a force in African women’s football.
