Odemba unveils Kenya squad for WAFCON qualifier against Gambia

Kenya women’s national team head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 38-player Harambee Starlets provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against the Gambia.

According to a statement from Football Kenya Federation (FKF), the Starlets will begin their campaign at home in Nairobi, with the first leg set for Friday, October 24 at Nyayo Stadium. They will then travel to Senegal for the return leg, which will be played on Tuesday, October 28, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès.

Fresh faces included in Starlets squad

The provisional list has featured several new names as the coach looks to strengthen key areas of the team ahead of the crucial tie. Among the goalkeeping additions is Vihiga Queens shot-stopper Mercy Akoth, who earned her first call-up.

The defense saw new energy with the inclusion of Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlet), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks), and Lorine Ilavonga, who stepped up from the Rising Starlets, Kenya’s U20 women’s national team.

In midfield, coach Odemba called up U20 graduate Elizabeth Muteshi. Keziah Ngairah makes her comeback to the Starlets setup, adding experience and depth to the squad.

The squad will report to camp on Sunday, October 5, as preparations intensify for the decisive fixtures. Kenya is aiming to make a return to the WAFCON for the first time since their debut appearance in 2016.

Provisional Squad;

Goalkeepers; Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens).

Defenders; Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena, Greece), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlet), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks).

Midfielders; Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Diana Wacera (Kenya Police Bullets), Sheryl Angach (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amnyolet (Vihiga Queens), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Beverlyn Adika (Zetech Sparks), Keziah Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Lavender Ann (Ulinzi Starlets), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets).

Forwards; Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Charity Midewa (PalmHill Sports Club, Egypt), Diana Cherono (Vihiga Queens), Tereza Engesha (Wuhan Giangda, China), Faith Mboya (Kibera Soccer Women), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Tumaini Waliaula (Sirens of Grevena), Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC, Saudi Arabia), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda) Nicoline Hawi Muteshi (Iron Ladies FC).