Rising Starlets Name Provisional Squad for Tanzania Test

Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma has unveiled a provisional squad of 32 players as preparations gather pace for the third round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania, with the team already five days deep into camp.

The squad has been reduced from an initial pool of 60 players who reported at the start of training. The technical bench has been assessing players based on form, fitness levels, and tactical suitability as the Rising Starlets sharpen their focus ahead of the crucial two-legged tie.

Kenya heads into this phase buoyed by a commanding second-round display against Ethiopia, where the team sealed a convincing 4-1 aggregate victory to progress. That performance has raised confidence within camp while also reinforcing the need for consistency as the stakes increase.

The upcoming encounter against Tanzania will be played over two legs, with the Rising Starlets hosting the first match before travelling for the return fixture. The opening leg is scheduled for the 7th at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm. The decisive return leg will be played on the 14th at the Azam Complex in Tanzania, starting at 4:00 pm.

The provisional squad blends players who featured prominently against Ethiopia with a group of promising young talents drawn from domestic competitions and recent national team engagements. Five days in camp have allowed the technical bench to emphasize tactical organisation, physical conditioning, and team cohesion.

Speaking ahead of the fixtures, coach Jackline Juma underlined the importance of carrying forward the momentum from the Ethiopia victory while maintaining full concentration on the challenge Tanzania presents at this stage of qualification.

With progression to the next round on the line, the Rising Starlets will be keen to maximise home advantage in Nairobi before pushing for a positive result away in Tanzania. Fans have been urged to turn out in large numbers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex to rally behind the team as they continue their World Cup qualification journey.

Provisional Squad

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 Moranga, Elizabeth Mideva, Edna Nasipwondi