Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled a 36-player provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The list, unveiled on Thursday, October 2, by the Football Kenya Federation, combines home-based talent from clubs such as Kenya Police Bullets, Ulinzi Starlets, Vihiga Queens, and Zetech Sparks with a handful of foreign-based professionals plying their trade in Turkey, China, Greece, and Saudi Arabia.
Among the most eye-catching inclusions is Lilian Awuor, currently with Farul Constanța in Turkey, and Enez Mango, also in Turkey.
In attack, Tereza Engesha (Wuhan Giangda, China) joins local forwards such as Charity Midewa, Faith Mboya, and Catherine Khaemba.
Odemba has indicated that a final list of 23 will be selected from this provisional list closer to the first qualifying leg.
2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers Kenya Provisional Squad
GOALKEEPERS
- Annedy Kundu – Kenya Police Bullets
- Vivian Shiyonzo – Kibera Girls Soccer
- Lilian Awuor – Farul Constanta, Turkey
- Mercy Akoth – Vihiga Queens
DEFENDERS
- Lorine Ilavonga – Ulinzi Starlets
- Ruth Ingosi – Simba Queens
- Dorcas Neem – Kibera Soccer Women
- Tabitha Amoit – Ulinzi Starlets
- Dorcas Shikobe – Sirens of Grevena, Greece
- Norah Ann – Kenya Police Bullets
- Enez Mango – Farul Constanta, Turkey
- Leah Andiema – Kenya Police Bullets
- Lavynne Ochola – Kayole Starlet
- Janette Mumo – Kibera Soccer Women
- Vivian Nasaka – Hakkarigucuspor
- Kikky Masika – Zetech Sparks
MIDFIELDERS
- Lydia Akoth – Yanga Princess
- Medina Abubakar – Kenya Police Bullets
- Corazonne Aquino – Simba Queens
- Diana Wacera – Kenya Police Bullets
- Sherly Angach – Ulinzi Starlets
- Martha Amnyolett – Vihiga Queens
- Elizabeth Muteshi – Trinity Starlets
- Beverlyn Adika – Zetech Sparks
- Keziah Ngaira – Ulinzi Starlets
- Lavender Ann – Ulinzi Starlets
- Fasila Adhiambo – Ulinzi Starlets
FORWARDS
- Mwanalima Adam – HB Køge, Denmark
- Charity Midewa – PalmHill Sports Club, Egypt
- Diana Cherono – Vihiga Queens
- Tereza Engesha – Wuhan Giangda, China
- Faith Mboya – Kibera Soccer Women
- Catherine Khaemba – Bungoma Queens
- Tumaini Walialua – Sirens of Grevena, Greece
- Violet Nanjala – United Eagles FC, Saudi Arabia
- Elizabeth Wambui – Simba Queens
- Shirelen Opisa – Amus College, Uganda
- Nicoline Hawi Muteshi – Iron Ladies FC
Starlet’s Poor Run at WAFCON
In 2016, Kenya made its maiden appearance at the finals in Cameroon.
Drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali, the Starlets struggled against more seasoned opponents.
They lost 3–1 to Ghana, fell 4–0 to Mali, and then lost 4–0 to Nigeria, finishing bottom of the group without a win.
Despite the early exit, the qualification itself was historic, marking Kenya’s first time on the WAFCON stage and placing them among Africa’s top 8 women’s teams that year.
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In 2022, Kenya was due to return to WAFCON after edging out Uganda in the qualifiers.
However, the team was withdrawn by the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) following governance disputes and FIFA’s suspension of Kenya from international football.
As a result, the Starlets missed the finals, a huge setback given the squad’s promising trajectory at the time.
WAFCON 2026
WAFCON 2026 will continue the tournament’s role as Africa’s qualifier for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027, with the top four teams booking direct slots and others advancing to playoff paths.
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CAF recently unveiled a new WAFCON trophy, symbolising the growing prestige of women’s football on the continent.
Heavyweights Nigeria (record 11 titles), South Africa (2022 champions), Ghana, Cameroon, and hosts Morocco are expected to challenge, while emerging nations like Kenya, Uganda, and Botswana are eager to make breakthroughs.
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