Odemba names 36-player squad as Harambee Starlets brace for Tunisia clash
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled a 36-player provisional squad ahead of their crucial 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia. The squad features a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, with eleven newcomers earning their first senior call-ups. Kenya will host the first leg on February 21, 2025, before traveling to Tunis for the return fixture on February 25, 2025.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 36-player provisional squad for the crucial 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Tunisia, as announced by FKF.
"Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 36-player provisional squad for the upcoming two-legged 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Tunisia," the release reads.
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The Starlets will kick off their campaign with the first leg at home on Friday, February 21, 2025, before traveling to Tunis for the return fixture scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Odemba’s squad blends experience with emerging talent, featuring eleven first-time senior call-ups.
"The squad sees eleven new inclusions, reinforcing key positions ahead of the decisive qualifiers," as seen in the release.
Among the notable newcomers are goalkeepers Vivian Shiyonzo from Kibera Soccer Girls and Lavender Abongo of KISPED Queens, both of whom have impressed with their commanding presence between the posts in the FKF Women Premier League (WPL).
The defense sees significant reinforcements with Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), and Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), all earning their first senior call-ups after standout performances at the U20 level.
They are joined by Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets) and Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Girls), who have shown remarkable consistency in domestic competitions.
In midfield, Yvonne Idagiza of Kibera Soccer Girls has been rewarded for her creativity and vision on the field, attributes that could prove vital in the upcoming qualifiers.
The attacking lineup is led by Faith Mboya, the current top scorer in the FKF Women’s National Super League (WNSL) with Sunderland Samba before her recent move to Kibera Soccer Girls.
Mboya made an immediate impact at her new club, netting a hat-trick on her debut. She will be joined in attack by Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens) and Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets), both in scintillating form this season.
Adding to the goal machines are FKF Women Premier League’s leading scorers, Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets), Beverline Adika (Zetech Sparks), and Khaemba, whose goal-scoring prowess will be crucial as Kenya aims to secure a spot in the continental showpiece.
Leila Apiyo and Martha Amunyolet make their much-anticipated return to the national team after extended absences, bringing with them valuable experience and leadership.
Another standout inclusion is Elizabeth Ochaka, the captain of the Junior Starlets who featured prominently in Kenya’s historic 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup campaign.
This marks her second senior team call-up, highlighting her rapid progression through the national ranks.
🔥Provisional Squad Reveal! 🔥
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 4, 2025
👀 New faces, top FKF WPL scorers, and familiar starlets—who are you excited to see in action? Drop their names below! ⬇️
🗓 First leg: Feb 21 (Home)
🗓 Second leg: Feb 25 (Away)#HarambeeStarlets #WAFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/bTHgv7QwGH
The provisional squad is expected to report to camp on Monday, February 10, 2025, to commence intensive preparations for the qualifiers.
"The squad is expected to report to camp on Monday, February 10, 2025, as they begin preparations for the crucial qualifiers," read in part of the release.
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