Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has officially unveiled her final 24-player squad set to fly the East African flag at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The squad features a brilliant mix of seasoned internationals and clinical youth talents who have risen through the junior ranks. This selection locks in the tactical engine room tasked with taking on Africa’s absolute best on the grandest stage.
Mwanahalima in training. The midfielder will lead the squad in Morocco. Photo: FKFMedia
The national team will be skippered by talismanic forward and midfield maestro Mwanalima Adam Jereko, popularly known as “Dogo”. Having missed out on Kenya’s historic debut a decade ago due to academic commitments, the star player is highly motivated to lead from the front.
Odemba’s squad has retained its solid core. In goal, the experienced Annedy Kundu anchors the department alongside Lilian Awuor and Vivian Shiyonzo.
The defensive backline remains fiercely competitive with the inclusion of trusted blockades like Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, and Enez Mango. Up front, the goal-hunting duties have been placed on the dangerous boots of Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa, and rising youngster Marion Serenge.
Kenya’s complete final travelling squad named by Coach Odemba:
Goalkeepers:-
Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo
Defenders:- Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Mary Nthambi |
Midfielders:- Mwanalima Adam (C), Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina, Shaline Nambengele |
Forwards:
Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa |
The Starlets have been dealt a fascinating but demanding hand, having been pooled into Group A. Kenya will run the gauntlet against tournament hosts Morocco, West African powerhouses Senegal, and North African giants Algeria.
Coach Beldine Odemba has maintained that her side is flying to North Africa to compete for honors, not just to fill up the group fixtures. “We are not just going to participate; we are going to compete,” Odemba asserted. “I believe we have grown tremendously as a team over the years… We will be facing the best teams on the continent, but I believe we can match them.” The coach told FKFMedia.
A Decade-Long Return to the Big Stage.
This tournament marks only the second time in history that the Harambee Starlets have qualified for Africa’s premier women’s showpiece. Their debut came exactly ten years ago during the 2016 WAFCON edition in Cameroon.
A decade later, the growth of the local women’s game means Kenya heads into this edition with a far more tactically advanced and exposed squad.
Group Stage Fixtures (EAT)
The Starlets have a dream opening fixture as they test their mettle right against the home nation under the bright lights of Rabat.
July 26, 2026: Kenya vs Morocco(Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat) – 11:00 PM EAT
July 30, 2026: Kenya vs Senegal (Olympic Stadium) – 8:00 PM EAT
August 3, 2026: Kenya vs. Algeria (Olympic Stadium) – 11:00 PM EAT
The stakes couldn’t be higher: a top-four finish (reaching the semi-finals) will automatically guarantee the Harambee Starlets a historic debut spot at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
