Odemba explains axing Jentrix Shikangwa from Harambee Starlets' AFCON squad
Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 08.07.26. | 15:35
Shikangwa has been Kenya's most in-form striker in recent times, banging goals for club and country, most recently for Tanzanian giants Simba Queens
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has finally broken her silence over the omission of prolific striker Jentrix Shikangwa from the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) squad.
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Kenyan fans had expressed their frustrations online after the 24-year-old was left out of Odemba's 29-player provisional squad.
Shikangwa has been Kenya's most in-form striker in recent times, banging goals for club and country, most recently for Tanzanian giants Simba Queens.
Her form at Simba has earned the former Vihiga Queens striker a move to Egyptian club Masar FC on a two-year deal, fueling scrutiny on Odemba’s decision, a matter that she has since explained.
“It is good to ask Simba (Queens) why she (Shikangwa) did not make it because we called her after the FIFA Series, but the team sent us a medical report saying she is not ready to play.
We have tried to follow up to see how she is, but we did not get any new response from them, and we had to move on. FKF wrote to Simba, but we have not seen any reply,” said Odemba.
Odemba had previously laid bare her frustrations with Simba, whom she accused of selective release of players to the Kenya women's national football team on medical grounds only for them to feature for the club days later.
Nonetheless, the former Kenya Police Bullets FC tactician expressed her confidence in the squad in camp while also calling on Kenyans to offer them maximum support.
“I really trust the squad that I called. I am sorry we have thousands of players, and so some have to miss out.
I would like to urge our fans to support the players that we have called. They are good enough, and they will be playing for the country. I would still be questioned if either of them had missed,” she stated.
Harambee Starlets Provisional WAFCON Squad
Goalkeepers
Annedy 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 and Tumaini Waliaula