Harambee Starlets set for five-nation tournament

Harambee Starlets players celebrate after beating Tunisia 1-0 in a Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Souse, Tunisia on February 26, 2025. [FKF Media]

Harambee Starlets will be among five nations that will battle it out in this year's Cecafa Senior Women's Championship set for June 12-22 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) confirmed that the Kenyan girls, who are currently in Morocco for friendly matches against the Atlas Lionesses, will compete at the regional tournament. Other nations are hosts Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Though the competition is aimed at giving Cecafa representatives to the upcoming Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) slated for Morocco in July chance for gauging their form, it will also help Starlets who are preparing for their 2026 Wafcon final round qualifier against Gambia.

Starlets, who beat Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate to qualify for the last round, will play Gambia in October this year with the winner of the two-legged duel qualifying for the continental event.

As part of the preparations for the crucial qualifier, Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba named a formidable squad comprising local and international based-players to take on Morocco in Tangier.

Odemba, who said that friendly matches are vital to gauge the team's progress ahead of the crucial qualifier against the Gambians, maintained some regulars and included new faces.

Kibera Soccer Women goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo who had a great season and ranked as the second-best keeper in the league is among notable first timers in Morocco.

Shiyonzo joined national team regular Annedy Kundu, while Kenya's heroine against Tunisia Lilian Awuor who is currently in Romania was not available for the trip.

Phoebe Aketch and former Wiyeta Girls star Martha Amunyolet received their call-ups to the team following their brilliant shows with their respective clubs.

Defender Leah Andiema, forward Tumaini Waliaula and midfielder Diana Wacera were recalled. Captain Dorcas Shikobe who missed the April Ivory Coast camp due to injury is fit for the Lionesses challenge.

Simba Queens midfielder Corazon Aquino, Mwanahalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Jentrix Shikangwa, Elizabeth Wambui, Faith Mboya and fast rising Kenya Bullets striker Emily Moranga are also in the 23-member squad.