Odemba Names Final Starlets Squad for WAFCON Mission

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) as Kenya steps up preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco.

The Starlets are scheduled to depart on February 28, kicking off a carefully structured build-up programme designed to sharpen the team ahead of the tournament.

Kenya will first head to Ivory Coast for two high-profile international friendlies aimed at fine-tuning tactics and assessing match readiness. The Starlets will face Benin on March 2 at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, before taking on the hosts Ivory Coast on March 4 at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe.

The technical bench views the West African tests as crucial measuring sticks against physically demanding opposition.

After completing the friendlies, the squad will travel to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp running until March 15. The camp is expected to focus heavily on tactical organisation, physical conditioning, recovery routines and strengthening team chemistry as the players enter the final phase of preparation.

Kenya will then head straight to Morocco for WAFCON 2026, which runs from March 17 to April 3.

Drawn in Group A, the Starlets face a challenging opening assignment against tournament hosts Morocco on March 17. They will then meet Senegal on March 20 before concluding their group-stage campaign against Algeria on March 23.

The Starlets booked their ticket to Morocco after a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory over The Gambia in the final qualifying round. Mwanahalima Adam’s decisive strike in the second leg sealed a hard-fought 1-0 win and confirmed Kenya’s return to Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

With momentum building and expectations rising back home, Odemba will be banking on a balanced squad blending experience and youthful energy to make a meaningful impact on the continental stage.

Harambee Starlets WAFCON 2026 Squad

Goalkeepers:
Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo

Defenders:
Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi

Midfielders:
Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele

Forwards:
Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shalyne Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, Eglay Mukhwana