Harambee Starlets head coach highlights significance of France camp ahead of WAFCON return

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has insisted that meticulous preparation will define Kenya’s campaign at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as she rolled out an intensive build-up programme anchored on competitive friendlies and an overseas residential camp.

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Odemba revealed that the technical bench has mapped out a structured schedule designed to test, assess and fine-tune the squad well before the continental showpiece kicks off.

“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba said in an interview with CAF Media, stressing that the focus is not just on assembling a squad but building cohesion and tactical clarity.

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

As part of that strategy, the Starlets will travel to Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Saturday, 28 February for two high-level international friendlies.

Kenya will face Benin on Monday, 2 March, before taking on hosts Côte d’Ivoire two days later at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.

The matches are expected to provide the technical bench with a clear gauge of match fitness, tactical discipline and squad balance against competitive West African opposition.

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Following the Abidjan assignment, the team will head to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp running until Sunday, 15 March.

According to Odemba, the European camp will be crucial in refining tactical systems, strengthening team chemistry and solidifying combinations ahead of the tournament.

The coach also highlighted the deliberate integration of youth prospects into the senior fold as part of long-term planning.

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

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Odemba named a 34-player provisional squad blending experienced internationals with emerging talent. Kenya Police Bullets trio Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyabuto are included, alongside Kibera Soccer Women pair Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso.

Trinity Starlets contributed Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor, while Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava and Kayole Starlets’ Euphraiser Shilwatso also made the cut.

Eight players from Kenya’s U20 side step into the senior set-up, with Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retaining their places, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Akeyo and Lornah Faith earn first senior call-ups.

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Kenya will begin their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on Tuesday, 17 March before facing Senegal on Friday, 20 March and Algeria on Monday, 23 March, in what promises to be a demanding opening phase.

Harambee Starlets provisional squad

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

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanța), 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 Køge), 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)