Starlets trim squad as Odemba names final WAFCON party

Forwards Elizabeth Mideva, Catherine Khaemba and Tumaini Waliaula, goalkeeper Lilian Adhiambo and defender Elizabeth Muteshi are the notable omissions after Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba named her final squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Odemba has settled on a 25-player travelling party for the continental showpiece in Morocco, retaining the core of the squad that secured qualification and ending weeks of speculation over the final selections.

The Starlets left for a training camp in Miramas, France, yesterday before travelling to Morocco on July 23 for the tournament, which runs from July 26 to August 16.

Kenya return to WAFCON for the first time since their debut appearance in 2016 after beating The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the qualifiers.

Goals from Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo and Shirleen Opisa helped seal qualification for the expanded 16-team tournament. Drawn in Group A, Kenya face a stern test against hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.

They open their campaign against Morocco at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat on July 26 before facing Senegal on July 30 at the Olympic Stadium.

Their final group match will be against Algeria on August 3, also in Rabat. A place in the semi-finals would not only mark Kenya’s best-ever WAFCON campaign but also secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the last four teams earning the continent’s qualification slots.

Odemba said the team is ready for the challenge. “We have had a good period of preparation, and the players understand the task ahead. WAFCON is a highly competitive tournament, but it also presents an opportunity to compete for a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Our target is to reach the semi-finals, and we will approach every match with the belief that we can achieve our objective.”

The squad announcement comes amid concerns over delayed player allowances.

During Tuesday’s luncheon at State House, President William Ruto said Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi had informed him that all outstanding national team allowances, amounting to Sh33 million, had been cleared.

However, the players were still awaiting payment on Wednesday morning, raising fresh concerns over their welfare just days before departure.

The issue has lingered throughout the team’s preparations, with players seeking clarity over their outstanding dues, while Odemba has repeatedly urged authorities to resolve the matter to keep the squad focused ahead of the demanding continental assignment.

Final Harambee Starlets 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: Mwanahalima 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 Nek