U20 stars headline Kenya provisional WAFCON squad, set for Cote d’Ivoire friendlies and France camp

Kenya have intensified preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after head coach Beldine Odemba unveiled a 34-player provisional squad and confirmed an ambitious build-up programme featuring international friendlies and an overseas training camp.

Coach Odemba unveiled a 34-player provisional squad and confirmed an ambitious build-up programme featuring international friendlies and an overseas training camp.

The selection comes as the team enters the decisive phase of its build-up programme, which includes two international friendlies in West Africa followed by a residential training camp in Europe.

Kenya will travel to Abidjan on 28 February, where they are scheduled to play Benin on 2 March before facing hosts Cote d’Ivoire two days later.

After the matches in Abidjan, the squad will head to Miramas, France, for a training camp running until 15 March.

Odemba’s provisional list features a blend of established internationals and emerging players, signalling continuity as well as competition for places. Four goalkeepers headline the defensive unit, while the squad boasts a sizeable defensive contingent, reflecting the technical bench’s focus on structure and organisation.

Among those earning places are Kenya Police Bullets trio Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyabuto, while Kibera Soccer Women pair Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso are also included.

Trinity Starlets are represented by Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor, with Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava and Kayole Starlets’ Euphraiser Shilwatso completing the mini-camp contingent.

The squad also features a strong youth element, with eight players from Kenya’s U20 side stepping into the senior fold. Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retain their spots, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Akeyo and Lornah Faith receive their first senior call-ups.

“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba said.

“Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team.”

The Starlets depart for Abidjan on 28 February, where they will face Benin on 2 March and Cote d’Ivoire on 4 March at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.

The two fixtures offer the technical team an opportunity to test combinations and assess readiness against competitive opposition.

After the West African friendlies, the squad travels to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp running until 15 March.

The European camp is designed to fine-tune tactical systems, sharpen match fitness and solidify team cohesion before the tournament begins.

“The friendly matches and the Miramas camp will allow us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in real match situations,” Odemba added. “Preparation is key. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”

The preparatory schedule has been designed to sharpen match fitness and fine-tune tactical systems ahead of the tournament, where Kenya face a demanding Group A campaign.

The overseas camp in Miramas is expected to provide the coaching staff with an extended window to evaluate combinations, address weaknesses identified during the friendlies and solidify team cohesion before the continental showpiece begins.

The Starlets will begin their WAFCON journey against hosts Morocco on 17 March, before taking on Senegal on 20 March and Algeria on 23 March.

Harambee Starlets Provisional Squad (WAFCON 2026)

Goalkeepers:
Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)

Defenders:
Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Diana Ochol (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercyline Mejor (Trinity Starlets), Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlets), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets)

Midfielders:
Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Vidah Akeyo (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets)

Forwards:
Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets)