Sports

Coach Odemba names Harambee Starlets’ squad 4-nations tournament

Luke Oluoch 27th May, 2026 10:30 AM

Harambee Starlets head coach has named a 24-player provisional squad for the Four Nations Tournament in Zambia scheduled for June 2026.

Police Bullets’ attacker Emily Morang’a and custodian Vivian Shiyonzo are among the names making a return to the team.

Others on the team are Euphrasier Shilwatso and Leah Andiema, who recently trained with the Harambee Starlets team.

Tereza Engesha has also been named after a fine run with Kenya Police Bullets and the national team in the concluded FIFA Series, where Harambee Stars finished second behind Australia.

There is no place, however, for her teammate Corazon Aquino, whose long absence from the national team under coach Odemba continues in yet another national team call-up cycle.

Build Up for AFCON

The four-nation tournament will serve as a key part of Harambee Starlets’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Harambee Starlets players celebrating their first goal against India in the FIFA Series meeting at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, April 11, 2026. PHOTO/https://web.facebook.com/williamsamoei

Kenya will be making their second appearance at the continental showpiece, ten years after their debut in the 2016 edition under coach David Ouma.

Odemba said the tournament will provide the team with another important test as Harambee Starlets continue working towards their targets at WAFCON 2026.

Semifinal targets

‎‎“These matches will give us another opportunity to continue building the team and exposing the players to competitive international football ahead of WAFCON.

‎ “Our objective is to arrive at the tournament ready to compete at the highest level. We want to challenge ourselves, target a place in the semi-finals and put ourselves in contention for World Cup qualification.

The ladies’ team will pit wits against Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Burkina Faso in the four-nation tourney. They will begin their quest with a clash against Zimbabwe on June 6, 2026.

Kenya will then face Zambia on June 9, 2026.

The 2026 WAFCON will be held in Morocco from July 25, 2026, to August 16, 2026.