Harambee Starlet name squad for 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Mwanalima Adam (left) celebrates after scoring a goal for Harambee Starlets in the past. [Harambee Starlets,X]

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

The team will begin their campaign with the first leg at home on February 21, 2025, before travelling to Tunis for the return fixture on February 25.

Odemba has introduced eleven fresh faces, strengthening key positions ahead of the crucial matches. The team is set to report to a residential camp on Monday.

Among the goalkeeping additions are Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Girls) and Lavender Abongo (KISPED Queens).

The defensive unit welcomes Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens) and Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), who earned their first senior call-up after previously featuring for the U20 squad. She is joined by Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets), and Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Girls).

In the midfield, Yvonne Idagiza (Kibera Soccer Girls) has earned her place in the squad.

The attack has been bolstered by newly signed Kibera Soccer Girls forward Faith Mboya. The immediate former Sunderland Samba striker is still the leading scorer in the FKF WNSL. Since her recent move to Kibera Soccer Girls, she has already made an impact, scoring a hattrick on her debut game. Red hot Kenya Police Bullets forward Emily Morang'a has also earned her maiden senior team call up.

Kenya Police defender Elizabeth Ochaka, captain of the Junior Starlets who featured in Kenya's historic 2024 Fifa U17 Women's World Cup campaign, has earned her second senior team call-up.

FKF Women Premier League leading scorers Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets), and Beverline Adika (Zetech Sparks) have also made the squad.

Leila Apiyo and Martha Amunyolet have made a return to the national team after a long absence.

Provisional Squad

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

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena, Greece), Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Elizabeth Ochaka, Mary Nthambi (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, Romania), Janet Mumo (Kibera Girls Soccer)

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

Forwards: Mwanalima Adam (Kansas, USA), Elizabeth Mideva (Archbishop Njenga), Rebecca Okwaro, Emily Morang'a (Kenya Police Bullets), Violet Nanjala (Municipal de Laayoune, Morocco), Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Janet Bundi , Faith Mboya (Kibera Girls Soccer), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Tereza Engesha.