Experienced Duo Return as Harambee Starlets Coach Names Squad for WAFCON 2026

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled her preliminary squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) set to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.

Kenya are set to make a return to the continental tournament, 10 years since their debut in 2016, and Odemba is keen to ensure they go past their group even though they landed a tough draw.

Odemba has named a squad of 34 players who include some top names as well as youngsters making their debut.

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Ten players who took part in the recently-concluded local based camp have earned a place in the provisional team with Kenya Police Bullets’ Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyabuto included.

Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso, both from Kibera Soccer Women have also made the squad, while Trinity Starlets contribute Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor. Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava also makes the list, alongside Euphraiser Shilwatso of Kayole Starlets.

Meanwhile, eight players from the Kenya U20 team have been included by Odemba while Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva have retained their places. The Harambee Starlets coach has handed Diana Ochol, Vidah Okeyo, Eglay Mukhwana and Lornah Faith their first senior national team call-ups.

“We are looking at the bigger picture. Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team,” said Odemba.

Meanwhile, top names who have returned to the team are Jentrix Shikangwa and Lorna Nyarinda and they are set to add experience and quality to the squad.

“The upcoming FIFA international window scheduled between February 24 and March 7 offers an opportunity for the team to further test combinations and match readiness. Plans are in place to explore possible friendly matches during this period as part of the wider build up,” Football Kenya Federation said via a statement.

“As the Harambee Starlets return to the continental stage ten years after their debut appearance in 2016, the focus remains on steady preparation, unity within the camp, and creating the right environment for the team to compete strongly against Africa’s best.”

Starlets are in a tough Group A following the WAFCON 2026 draw conducted in January which placed them against hosts Morocco, finalists in the last two editions, as well as Algeria and Senegal, who reached the quarter-final of WAFCON 2024.

Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena),Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Diana Ochol (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercyline Mejor(Trinity Starlets), Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets)

Midfielders: Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Vidah Akeyo (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets),Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets).

Forwards: Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets)