Harambee Starlets release final squad for 2026 Women's AFCON
Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 11.07.26. | 18:18
Kenya will make only its second appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, 10 years after debuting at the 2016 finals
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named her final squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
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Odemba has trimmed the provisional squad that pitched camp two weeks ago as Kenya enters the final phase of preparations for the continental showpiece in Morocco.
The gaffer had initially named a 29-player provisional squad that blended experienced internationals with emerging talent before the players reported to residential camp on Monday, 29 June.
The squad retained the core that featured prominently in recent international assignments.
This shows the technical bench's faith in a group that successfully guided Kenya back to WAFCON for only the second time in the country's history.
The final selection maintains that balance, with captain Annedy Kundu leading the goalkeeping department alongside Lilian Awuor and Vivian Shiyonzo.
In defence, Odemba has retained Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann and Mary Nthambi as she looks to build a solid backline capable of competing against some of Africa's strongest attacking sides.
The midfield will rely on the creativity and experience of Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina and Shaline Nambengele.
Up front, the coach has entrusted Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala and Valerie Nekesa with leading Kenya's search for goals.
One of the biggest talking points is the omission of experienced striker Jentrix Shikangwa, who recently completed a move from Tanzanian champions Simba Queens to Egyptian powerhouse FC Masar.
The prolific forward had also missed the provisional squad despite finishing last season with 21 league goals as Simba Queens retained their Tanzanian Women's Premier League title.
Odemba previously explained that the provisional squad was assembled with a clear objective of balancing experienced campaigners with promising young players capable of driving the team beyond the group stage.
"Representing Kenya at WAFCON is a privilege, and as a team we have set ourselves a clear target. We know that reaching the semi-finals would secure our first-ever FIFA Women's World Cup qualification, and that is what we are working towards," said Odemba after naming the provisional squad.
Kenya will make only its second appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, 10 years after debuting at the 2016 finals.
The Starlets face a daunting Group A campaign, where they will open their tournament against hosts Morocco before taking on Senegal and Algeria in pursuit of a place in the knockout rounds.
Harambee Starlets final WAFCON squad
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo.
Defenders: Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Mary Nthambi.
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina, Shaline Nambengele.
Forwards: Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa.