Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma has named a provisional squad of 32 players as Kenya intensifies preparations for the third round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania.
The announcement comes with the team already five days into residential camp, marking a critical phase in their build-up to the decisive two-legged encounter.
The current squad has been trimmed down from an initial pool of 60 players who reported to camp at the start of preparations.
The reduction follows detailed assessments conducted by the technical bench, with selections guided by players’ form, fitness levels, discipline in training, and suitability to the team’s tactical approach.
ALSO READ: Rising Starlets thrash Ethiopia to book Third Round spot in FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers
According to the coaching staff, the aim is to strike the right balance between continuity and competition within the squad.
Kenya heads into this stage of qualification buoyed by a commanding second-round display against Ethiopia. The Rising Starlets secured a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory, a performance that showcased their attacking fluidity at continental level.
That result booked Kenya a place in the third round and reinforced belief within the camp as the team continues its journey toward World Cup qualification.
When will the Rising Starlets face Tanzania?
The upcoming tie against Tanzania will be played over two legs, with Kenya enjoying home advantage in the first fixture. The opening leg is scheduled for February 7 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm.
The return leg will take place on February 14 at the Azam Complex in Tanzania, kicking off at 4 pm.
Juma has assembled a squad that blends players who featured prominently against Ethiopia with exciting young talents who have impressed in domestic competitions and recent national team engagements.
Being five days into camp has allowed the technical bench to place emphasis on tactical organization, fitness conditioning and team chemistry, key areas as the team prepares for a physically demanding and tactically challenging opponent.
With a place in the final round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at stake, the Rising Starlets will be keen to deliver a strong performance in Nairobi before seeking a positive result on the road.
Fans have been encouraged to turn up in large numbers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex to support the team as they continue their push for World Cup qualification.
Rising Starlets provisional squad for Tanzania clash named
Goalkeepers
Christine Adhiambo, Mercy Akoth, Velma Abwire, Ephy Awuor
Defenders
Sharlot Atieno, Jenevive Mithel, Triza Ekesa, Dorcas Glender, Diana Anyango, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Patience Asiko, Pauline Sylvia
Midfielders
Brenda Awuor, Pearl Olesi, Lornah Faith, Halima Imbachi, Susan Akoth, Jerrine Adhiambo, Velma Awuor, Vidah Akeyo, Rebecca Odato, Fasila Adhiambo
Forwards
Beffine Shalley, Quinter Mwendi, Joan Ogola, Valarie Nekesa, Hilder Natecho, Quinter Adhiambo, Emily Morang’a, Elizabeth Mideva, Edna Nasipwondi