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The provisional squad for the match had already been announced and preparations were in top gear.
Kenya women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets have suffered a huge blow following the cancellation of a planned friendly against Albania.
This is the second friendly Football Kenya Federation (FKF) had secured since the FIFA suspension was lifted back in November 2022. The other saw Harambee Stars tackle and lose 2-1 to Iran.
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15:46 - 27.03.2023
FOOTBALL Esse Akida returns as Oduor names Harambee Starlets provisional squad
This is the first international engagement for Starlets in over a year.
Starlets were already in camp, preparing for the duel, but the federation has confirmed – and explained – why it was impossible for the plan to go on.
"Football Kenya Federation in consultation with the Ministry of Sports and the Albanian Football Federation, has cancelled the Harambee Starlets friendly match against Albania, which was scheduled to take place on April 11, 2023, in Tirana," FKF stated.
"This painful decision has been arrived at due to logistical challenges that have made it impossible to travel and arrive in Albania on or before April 11, 2023, despite concerted efforts by all concerned.
"Subsequently, the team's camp has been cut short and the players released back to their clubs. Even so, the federation remains committed to the wholesome development of football in Kenya and is actively engaging other countries, with a view of finding a suitable friendly match for the Starlets in the next FIFA window."
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19:00 - 28.03.2023
FOOTBALL Harambee Starlets squad breakdown: 7 Premier League teams represented for Albania friendly
FKFWPL teams have fourteen players in the provisional squad.
Harambee Starlets coach Godfrey Oduor had named a provisional squad of 33 players.
PAOK Women’s in-form Esse Akida made a return to the squad, but the cancellation means her involvement for the national side has been delayed.
After a long spell outside the international football community, the Starlets were geared up for the Albania duel, and now they can only hope that the FA lands a ready opponent to face in the immediate future.
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