WAFCON: Odemba unveils Kenya squad to start preparations

Kenya women’s national team Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 34-player provisional squad ahead of the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The team is set to report to camp on Sunday, February 15, as build up begins for the continental tournament scheduled for March 17 to April 3, 2026. Ten players, who took part in the recently concluded local based mini-camp have been included in the provisional squad.

𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐒𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐃 ||
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 𝟑𝟒 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 ahead of the final phase of preparations for the 2026 WAFCON. The team is set to report to camp on Sunday, 15 February,2026 pic.twitter.com/Afnox4sox5

— Soccerpower99 (@soccerpower99) February 12, 2026

From Kenya Police Bullets, Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyabuto have earned call ups. Kibera Soccer Women are represented by Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso, while Trinity Starlets contribute Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor. Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava also makes the list, alongside Euphraiser Shilwatso of Kayole Starlets.

Rising Starlets graduates step up

The provisional squad features eight players from the Kenya U20 Women’s national team, the Rising Starlets, who continue to make the transition into the senior set up.

Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retain their places, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Okeyo and Lornah Faith earn their first senior national team call ups.

Their progression highlights the technical bench’s commitment to creating a pathway for young players to gain exposure at the highest level while strengthening the depth of the senior team.

“We are looking at the bigger picture. Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team,” Odemba told FKF Media.

Key returns and new faces

The provisional squad also sees the return of experienced players Jentrix Shikangwa and Lorna Nyarinda, who are back in the national team setup ahead of the WAFCON preparations.

Both players have previously featured for the Harambee Starlets and their return strengthens competition for places as the team builds towards the final squad for the tournament.

There is also a maiden call up for Trinity Starlets forward Eglay Mukhwana, who earns her first senior national team selection following consistent performances at club level.

Focus turns to final WAFCON build up

With the tournament fast approaching, the provisional camp will play a key role in shaping the final squad that will represent Kenya at the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations.

The upcoming FIFA international window scheduled between February 24 and March 7 offers an opportunity for the team to further test combinations and match readiness. Plans are in place to explore possible friendly matches during this period as part of the wider build up.

As the Harambee Starlets return to the continental stage ten years after their debut appearance in 2016, the focus remains on steady preparation, unity within the camp, and creating the right environment for the team to compete strongly against Africa’s best.

Harambee Starlets Provisional Squad;

Goalkeepers; Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets).

Defenders; Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Diana Ochol (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercyline Mejor (Trinity Starlets), Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets).

Midfielders; Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Vidah Akeyo (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets9), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets).

Forwards; Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets).