Harambee Starlets Announce Squad for 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers

Harambee Starlets’ head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 36-player provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia.

The first leg will be hosted in Kenya on February 21, 2025, followed by the away match in Tunis on February 25, 2025.

Odemba has included eleven new players in the lineup, aiming to fortify various positions for the crucial matches.

New goalkeepers Vivian Shiyonzo from Kibera Girls Soccer and Lavender Abongo from KISPED Queens have been selected. The defense has been refreshed with the likes of Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), and Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), all making their senior team debut after the U20 experience. They will be supported by seasoned defenders Mary Nthambi and Janet Mumo.

In midfield, Yvonne Idagiza of Kibera Girls Soccer has earned her spot. The attack is led by Faith Mboya of Kibera Girls Soccer, who has been in fine form, scoring a hat-trick on her club debut. She is joined by Catherine Khaemba and Emily Moranga.

Veterans Leila Apiyo and Martha Amunyolet return to the squad after a long hiatus. Additionally, Elizabeth Ochaka, the captain of the Junior Starlets, has been selected following her impressive performance at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

The squad also includes top scorers from the FKF Women Premier League like Khaemba, Okwaro, and Adika.

The team will begin their preparation camp on February 10, 2025.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:

– Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets)
– Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Girls Soccer)
– Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Turkey)
– Lavender Abongo (KISPED Queens)

Defenders:

– Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens)
– Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena, Greece)
– Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens)
– Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets)
– Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor)
– Wincate Kaari (Simba Queens)
– Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens)
– Leila Apiyo (Sirines of Grevena, Greece)
– Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets)
– Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Turkey)
– Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets)
– Janet Mumo (Kibera Girls Soccer)

Midfielders:

– Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens)
– Sheril Angach (Ulinzi Starlets)
– Martha Amunyolet (Vihiga Queens)
– Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess)
– Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets)
– Lavender Ann Akinyi (Ulinzi Starlets)
– Yvonne Idagiza (Kibera Girls Soccer)
– Cynthia Shilwatso (Besiktas, Turkey)
– Beverline Adika (Zetech Sparks)

*Forwards:*

– Mwanalima Adam (Kansas, USA)
– Elizabeth Mideva (Archbishop Njenga)
– Tereza Engesha
– Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets)
– Violet Nanjala
– Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens)
– Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens)
– Janet Bundi
– Faith Mboya (Kibera Girls Soccer)
– Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens)
– Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets)