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.
Odemba has added eleven new players, strengthening key spots before the important games.
KISPED Queens’ Lavender Abongo and Kibera Soccer Girls’ Vivian Shiyonzo have been added as goalkeepers.
The defensive unit welcomes Benedete Atieno of KISPED Queens, Alice Mideri of Vihiga Queens, and Tabitha Amoit of 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 midfield, Yvonne Idagiza (Kibera Soccer Girls) has earned her place in the squad.
The attack will be bolstered by Faith Mboya (Kibera Soccer Girls), a prolific striker and current top scorer in the FKF WNSL with Sunderland Samba.
Since her recent move to Kibera Soccer Girls, she has already made an impact, scoring a hat trick in her debut game. She will be joined in attack by Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens) and Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets).
Meanwhile, Leila Apiyo and Martha Amunyolet make their return to the national team after a long absence.
Additionally, Elizabeth Ochaka, captain of the Junior Starlets who featured in Kenya’s historic 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign, earns her second senior team call-up.
Key to note, current 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.
The team will open their campaign with the first leg at home on Friday, February 21, 2025, before travelling to Tunis for the return fixture on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
The squad is expected to report to camp on Monday, February 10, 2025, as they begin preparations for the crucial qualifiers.
