Advertisement
Harambee Starlets’ final WAFCON squad unveiled
11th July, 2026 09:14 PM
Harambee Starlets’ final 25-player squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has been unveiled by the Football Kenya Federation.
Beldine Odemba has entrusted the core of the team that secured qualification in October 2025, after beating The Gambia to the final qualification berth in a 4-1 aggregate scoreline.
Kenya heads to Morocco for their second appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, just over a decade since making their debut at the tournament in 2016.
The squad also includes young prospect Valerie Nekesa, who has just been signed by Spanish women’s side CD Tenerife. The Rising Starlets ace will be tasked with leading the line alongside experienced Violet Nanjala of UAE-based Shirleen Opisa, Tereza Engesha, Eglay Mukhwana, and Marion Serenge, who recently joined the paid ranks with a move to Uganda.
Captain Mwanalima Adam will lead the midfield department with the help of Simba Queens star Fasila Adhiambo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina, Shaline Nambengele and Martha Amunyolete.
Big misses from Odemba’s squad include goal poacher Jextrix Shikangwa, Elizabeth Muteshi; and forwards Elizabeth Mideva, Catherine Khaemba, a former FKF PL lead scorer, and Tumaini Waliaula.
Kenya is in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria.
They begin their campaign against Morocco on July 26, 2026, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat before facing Senegal on July 30, 2026, and Algeria on August 3, 2026.
Upon their qualification, Odemba termed the milestone a statement of the growth in women’s football in Kenya, and it remains to be seen how they live up to the billing at the continental stage
”Qualifying for this WAFCON will show how much improvement we have made as women’s football in the country, and it will open a brighter future for women’s football. We urge our fans, especially those who live here in Senegal, to come and cheer the girls, and fans at home to continue praying with us, sending good vibes to us and believing in us,” Odemba
Final squad
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo.
Defenders: Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, and Mary Nthambi.
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam, 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.
