NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 25 – Trinity Starlets duo Lilian Adhiambo and Elizabeth Muteshi have been recalled to the national women’s football team Harambee Starlets as head coach Beldine Odemba announced a provisional squad of 29 players ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to kick off July 26-August 16 in Morocco.
Speaking on Thursday while naming the squad that will report to the residential camp on Monday, Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba said the team’s ambition is to reach the semi-finals of the continental tournament, an achievement that will guarantee Kenya a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup to be hosted in Brazil.
“Representing Kenya at WAFCON is a privilege, and as a team, we have set ourselves a clear target. We know that a place in the semi-finals would give us our debut in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, and that is something we are striving for. Our focus is to compete, continue improving as a team, and make Kenya proud,” Coach Odemba stated.
Odemba’s squad selection strikes a deliberate balance between seasoned international veterans and a highly hungry, emerging generation of youth talent.
Regulars goalkeeper Annedy “Annette” Kundu, defender Ruth Ingosi, midfielders Mwanalima Adam, Tereza Engesha, and forwards Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa will be instrumental in guiding the team into the last four.
Five prominent players who recently excelled in the youth national team, Fasila Adhiambo, Marion Serenge, Elizabeth Mideva, Muteshi, and Elizabeth Ochaka, have been promoted to the senior team, earning their first call-ups.
Their inclusion injects immense pace and technical depth into a side eager to make an impact in the tournament on their second appearance after their 2016 debut.
Navigating Group A Under the Floodlights
However, to achieve the historic semi-final reach, Kenya will have to maneuver a tricky Pool A that features hosts and 2024 second-place finishers Morocco, West African side Senegal, and North African side Algeria.
The Starlets will launch their campaign against Morocco on July 26, then face Senegal four days later (July 30) before wrapping the pool with a clash against Algeria on August 3.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Annedy “Annette” Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo, Lilian Adhiambo.
Defenders: Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Elizabeth Muteshi, Mary Nthambi.
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Shaline Nambengele, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina.
Forwards: Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Elizabeth Mideva, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa, Catherine Khaemba, Tumaini Waliaula.
