Harambee Starlets announce locally-based squad for mini-camp ahead of Women's AFCON

Ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, set to commence on Tuesday, 17 March, Harambee Starlets have assembled a locally-based squad for a mini-camp to ramp up their preparations for the continental tourney.

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The mini-camp is set to be hosted from Sunday, 1 to Friday, 6 February, during which the technical bench under the stewardship of head coach Beldine Odemba will assess and identify talent that will make the final squad.

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Odemba has opted to cast her net locally, rewarding consistent performers from clubs including Kenya Police Bullets, Vihiga Queens, Ulinzi Starlets, Trinity Starlets, Kibera Soccer Women, and Bungoma Queens, as she looks to build a competitive unit ahead of the month-long tournament.

Speaking on the decision to hold the one-week camp ahead of the main residential preparations slated for mid-February, Coach Odemba emphasised the importance of close monitoring.

"We have been closely following the local leagues, attending matches, and monitoring performances across the season.

This mini-camp gives us a structured environment to work with the players we have identified, assess them again, and understand how they fit into the team," stated the former Kenya Police Bullets FC coach.

The Harambee Starlets are scheduled to kick off their main residential camp on Sunday, 15 February, as they intensify preparations ahead of the tournament.

Kenya secured their place in the 2026 WAFCON after a decisive 4-1 aggregate victory over Gambia, which included a 3-1 triumph at Nyayo National Stadium followed by a 1-0 away win.

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The victory marked the Starlets’ return to the continental stage after a 10-year hiatus, having last competed at the championship in 2016 in Cameroon.

Odemba has opted to cast her net locally, rewarding consistent performers from clubs including Kenya Police Bullets, Vihiga Queens, Ulinzi Starlets, Trinity Starlets, Kibera Soccer Women, and Bungoma Queens, as she looks to build a competitive unit ahead of the month-long tournament.

The squad features strong representation from Kenya Police Bullets and Trinity Starlets, each contributing four players.

Bullets’ selections include veteran goalkeeper Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar, Lorna Nyabuto, and Faith Mboya, while Trinity Starlets provide goalkeeper Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi, Mercyline Mejor, and midfielder Centrine Ngasi.

Ulinzi Starlets, meanwhile, contribute a trio of Shaline Nambengele, Lucy Nato, and Diana Shakava.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)

Defenders

Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Ruth Khasoha (Vihiga Queens), Sheryl Muyera (Zetech Sparks), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets) Mercyline Mejor(Trinity Starlets), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Mirriam Chelagat (Bungoma Queens),

Midfielders

Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyabuto (Kenya Police Bullets), Providence Mukalo (Vihiga Queens), Centrine Ngasi (Trinity Starlets) Lucy Nato (Ulinzi Starlets)

Forwards

Anna Arusi (Kibera Soccer Women), Faith Mboya (kenya police ), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens)