The landscape of East African women’s football is set for a seismic shift as Kenya’s Rising Starlets prepare to host Tanzania’s Tanzanite Queens in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
With both nations coming off dominant second-round performances, this two-legged affair is more than just a qualifier—it is a battle for regional bragging rights and a ticket to the global stage in Poland.
Kenya enters the fray with high confidence following a 5-1 aggregate masterclass over Ethiopia Head coach Jackline Juma has successfully integrated the core of the “Junior Starlets” (the U17 squad that made history in the 2024 World Cup) into the U20 ranks.
“We are building a culture of winning,” FKF Media has reported Coach Juma saying during the latest training camp at Kasarani. “The girls understand the gravity of the Tanzania fixture. It’s a derby, and in derbies, form is secondary to character.”
Kenyan players headed for training
The Rising Starlets have leaned heavily on the attacking prowess of Elizabeth Mideva and Valarie Nekesa, whose chemistry has dismantled defenses throughout the campaign. However, they face a Tanzanian side that is arguably the most clinical in the CECAFA zone, having advanced after a staggering 7-0 aggregate demolition of Angola.
Kenyan goalkeeper Christine Adhiambo will need to be at her best to stop Tanzania’s prolific frontline, led by the clinical Winfrida Gerald.
On the other hand, Captain Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens) brings vital “inside knowledge” of the Tanzanian game, which could be the X-factor for the Kenyan side.
Fixture Details
First Leg: February 7, 2026 – Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi (3:00 PM EAT)
Second Leg: February 14, 2026 – Azam Complex, Dar es Salaam (4:00 PM EAT)
Kenya U20 Women 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 Morang’a, Elizabeth Mideva, Edna Nasipwondi
