Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has unveiled her final squad for the 2026 CECAFA U17 Women's Championship, with the regional tournament expected to play a key role in Kenya's preparations for the decisive FIFA U17 Women's World Cup qualifying round.
The coach has retained the bulk of the squad that successfully navigated the previous qualification stage against Uganda, opting for continuity as the team seeks to sharpen its readiness ahead of a crucial showdown against South Africa.
Among the notable additions to the squad are Jael Nanjala, Lindey Weey, Grace Chari and Elizabeth Awuor, who have earned places in the travelling team. The quartet replaces Ivy Atieno, Idah Matara, Daisy Adongo and Grace Wangari from the squad that featured in the last qualifying assignment.
The CECAFA championship, which kicks off on June 13 in Tanzania, offers Kenya an opportunity to test combinations, improve match fitness and expose players to high-level competition before attention shifts to the World Cup qualifiers.
Kenya open their campaign against Sudan on June 13, faces Somalia two days later, and concludes the group stage with a tough clash against hosts Tanzania on June 17.
For Cheche and her technical bench, the tournament will provide a valuable assessment as they continue moulding a side that hopes to secure a second consecutive appearance at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
The team wrapped up its final residential training camp at the Kasarani Annex on June 11 and is scheduled to arrive in Tanzania on June 12 ahead of the tournament opener.
Having displayed impressive form and resilience throughout the qualification campaign, the Junior Starlets will be aiming to carry that momentum into the regional competition while fine-tuning their preparations for the decisive battles ahead.
This version leads with the World Cup preparation angle rather than the squad announcement, giving it a different editorial feel from the original.
CECAFA U17 Women's Championship Squad:
Goalkeepers:
Mishel Okoyo, Martha Wekhomba, Vallary Achieng
Defenders:
Namisi Pauline, Jael Nanjala, Boke Faith, Atieno Sheila, Grace Mumo, Bevarline Awuor
Midfielders:
Bakari Mwanakombo, Beryl Awuor, Khatenje Fleviah, Noelina Akuku, Brenda Awuor, Grace Chari, Gaudancia Maloba, Lindey Weey Atieno
Forwards:
Brenda Achieng, Elizabeth Alizeba, Patience Waithira, Emily Adhiambo, Wambui Tabitha, Elizabeth Awuor
Fixtures:
Kenya vs Sudan | June 13 | 1300hrs | KMC Stadium
Somalia vs Kenya | June 15 | 1600 hrs | Azam Complex
Tanzania vs Kenya | June 17 | 1600hrs | KMC Stadium
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