Harambee Starlets to continue WAFCON preparations with four nations tournament
By Joel Masibo, May 19, 2026The national women’s team, Harambee Starlets, will take part in a Four Nations competition scheduled for June 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia, as they intensify preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The mini-tournament will bring together four nations: Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Burkina Faso.
According to the scheduled matches, Kenya will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on Saturday, June 6, 2026, while the hosts, Zambia, will face Burkina Faso on the same day. Three days later, the Starlets are set to take on Zambia as Zimbabwe meet Burkina Faso in the remaining fixture.
FIFA rankings
Based on the latest FIFA Women’s World Rankings, Zambia are currently the highest-ranked side among the four teams at position 64 worldwide. Burkina Faso occupy 118th place, Zimbabwe are ranked 127th, while Kenya sit just behind them at 128th globally.
The tournament is expected to serve as a key build-up event ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to be staged in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.
For the Harambee Starlets, the competition will provide valuable preparation ahead of their return to WAFCON, marking Kenya’s second appearance at the continental showpiece since their historic debut in 2016.
WAFCON assignments
Meanwhile, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba named a 25-player final squad that will represent Kenya at the 2026 WAFCON. The team departed on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for Ivory Coast, where they played two international friendly matches before the tournament, initially scheduled to run from Tuesday, March 17, to Friday, April 3, 2026, in Morocco, was postponed.
Goalkeepers
Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo
Defenders
Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi
Midfielders
Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele
Forwards
Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shalyne Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, Eglay Mukhwana