Rising Starlets coach Jackline Juma names squad for Ethiopia clash

Kenya’s journey to the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers enters a decisive stage as head coach Jackline Juma has confirmed her 23-player travelling squad for the second-round tie against Ethiopia.

The Rising Starlets, who received a bye in the opening round, will play the first leg on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa from 3:00 pm Eastern Africa Time (EAT).

The return leg is set for Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, also kicking off at 3:00 pm EAT. The winner of the clash will advance to the third round of the African qualifiers, where either Tanzania or Angola await in February 2026.

The squad announcement follows weeks of preparation that included two mini training camps, which gave the technical bench a chance to trim the provisional list. The first group of players had reported earlier, while a second batch of 30 joined camp last week, before the final travelling party was named.

Coach Juma has opted for a mix of youth and experience, with several players promoted from the Junior Starlets U-17 team that featured at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Travelling squad

Goalkeepers

Christine Adhiambo, Velma Abwire, Ephy Awuor

Defenders

Elizabeth Ochaka, Vidah Akeyo, Triza Sheryl, Lorine Ilavonga, Ruth Akinyi, Patience Asiko, Quinter Adhiambo

Midfielders

Rebecca Odato, Fasila Adhiambo, Beverlyn Awuor, Jerrine Adhiambo, Halima Imbachi, Pearl Olesi

Forwards

Diana Ochol, Emily Morang’a, Mitchelle Waithera, Lornah Faith, Elizabeth Mideva, Valarie Nekesa, Edina Nasipwondi

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