- This marks Kenya’s second-ever WAFCON appearance, exactly a decade after their debut in 2016.
- Starlets face a tough group stage in Morocco pooled alongside hosts (July 26), followed by Senegal (July 30), and wrap up against Algeria (August 3).
- Coach Beldine Odemba’s 29-player squad balances veteran players and rising young talent like Marion Serenge progressing from the junior ranks.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 29-player provisional squad ahead of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), which is scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
The selected players are expected to report to residential training camp on Monday, June 29, as intensive preparations begin for what will be Kenya’s second-ever appearance at Africa’s premier continental women’s football tournament.
The provisional squad features a blend of experienced veterans and rising youth talent, retaining the core group of players who have anchored Kenya’s recent international assignments including the four nations tournament where Kenya finished third.
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In a notable boost to the team’s depth, Trinity Starlets duo Lilian Adhiambo and Elizabeth Muteshi have earned recalls to the national team setup.
Coach Odemba has also shown strong faith in the country’s youth development structures by integrating several players who have steadily progressed through the junior national team ranks, including Fasila Adhiambo, Marion Serenge, Elizabeth Mideva, and Elizabeth Ochaka.
The Harambee Starlets face a demanding Group A campaign beginning with the opening match against hosts and 2022 tournament runners-up Morocco on July 26 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Kenya will then shift to the Rabat Olympic Stadium to face West African powerhouse Senegal on July 30 before wrapping up their group fixtures against North African opposition experts Algeria on August 3.
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This tournament marks a historic milestone for Kenya as the team returns to the continental showpiece exactly ten years after making their debut appearance in 2016.
The technical bench and players have set their sights on reaching the semi-finals, a feat that would guarantee the Harambee Starlets a historic debut slot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Harambee Starlets unveil WAFCON 2026 provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo, Lilian Adhiambo
Defenders: Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Elizabeth Muteshi, Mary Nthambi
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Shaline Nambengele, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina
Forwards: Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Elizabeth Mideva, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa, Catherine Khaemba, Tumaini Waliaula