Corazon Aquino snubbed again as Odemba names Harambee Starlets squad for FIFA Series
By Joel Masibo, March 31, 2026Harambee Starlets’ seasoned midfielder Vivian Corazon Aquino has once again received a cold shoulder as head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 31-player provisional squad for the inaugural FIFA Women’s Series, set to be held in Nairobi from Saturday, April 11, to Wednesday, April 15, 2026.
The FIFA Series snub of the Simba Queens midfielder follows her surprise omission from the team for the 15th edition of the postponed Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Aquino’s notable absence from coach Beldine Odemba’s provisional 38-player squad for the 2026 continental championship and now the FIFA Series raises eyebrows, considering her long service with the Harambee Starlets, where she has served in the leadership group as vice-captain.
Meanwhile, Kenya will host the four-nation tournament at Nyayo National Stadium, with Harambee Starlets joined by Australia, India and Malawi.
The players are expected to report to camp on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, ahead of the tournament.
New call-up and returning players
Among the notable inclusions in the squad is Marion Serenge, who has earned her first senior national team call-up. Serenge was part of the Junior Starlets squad at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and has impressed since joining St. Noa FC in Uganda, where she has scored six goals in five appearances.
The provisional squad also includes the return of Terry Engesha, whose recent performances since joining Kenya Police Bullets have seen her work her way back into the national team set-up.
Mercy Airo is also back in the squad after a strong run of form with Ulinzi Starlets.
Tournament schedule
The tournament will begin on Saturday, April 11, 2026 with two matches scheduled at Nyayo National Stadium.
Australia will face Malawi at 2:00 pm before Harambee Starlets take on India at 6:00 pm.
The competition will conclude on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, with the third-place play-off scheduled for 2:00 pm, followed by the final at 6:00 pm.
Strong opposition for Starlets
The FIFA Women’s Series will provide Harambee Starlets with an opportunity to face teams from different regions and playing styles ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Australia head into the tournament ranked 15th in the world, while India is ranked 67th and Malawi 153rd. Kenya are currently ranked 134th.
Odemba on the FIFA Women’s Series
Odemba said the tournament will play an important role in the team’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
“We are looking forward to the FIFA Women’s Series as an important part of our preparations for WAFCON. Playing against teams with different styles and strong international experience will help us assess the progress we have made and identify areas we need to improve.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
Provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)
Defenders
Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Romania)
Midfielders
Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Vihiga Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Vidah Sharon (Kenya Police Bullets), Terry Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets)
Forwards
Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Marion Serenge (St. Noah, Uganda), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Valerie Nekesa( Soccer Assassins), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens).