Odemba Sets Tone as Harambee Starlets Name WAFCON Squad
IMAGES: FKF
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has expressed confidence that Kenya can secure a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after naming a 24-player squad for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The players have already arrived in Miramas, France, where they are conducting their final training camp ahead of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team will travel to Morocco on July 23 for the tournament, which will run from July 26 to August 16.
Kenya opens its Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on July 26 before taking on Senegal on July 30 and Algeria on August 3.
In an interview, Odemba said the team had prepared well for the continental showpiece and would head into the tournament with the belief that it can achieve its objectives.
“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,” she said as per FKF portal.
“Our target is to reach the semi-finals, and we will approach every match with the belief that we can achieve our objective.”
Final Preparations in France
The training camp in France will provide the technical bench with the final opportunity to fine-tune the squad before the competition kicks off in Morocco.
The tournament marks Kenya’s second appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having made its debut in 2016. The coaching staff is expected to use the camp to sharpen tactics, improve fitness levels and build cohesion ahead of the opening fixture against the tournament hosts.
Kenya faces a challenging Group A that includes Morocco, Senegal and Algeria, with every point expected to be crucial in the race for a place in the knockout stages.
Historic World Cup Dream
Beyond competing for continental honours, WAFCON 2026 doubles as the African qualification tournament for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Reaching the semi-finals would guarantee Harambee Starlets a maiden appearance at the senior Women’s World Cup, a feat that would mark one of the biggest achievements in the history of Kenyan women’s football.
Ahead of the team’s departure, the Harambee Starlets paid a courtesy call to State House, where President William Ruto officially flagged off the squad and wished them success at the continental championship.
The Head of State encouraged the players to represent Kenya with pride as they seek to make history on the continental stage.
Odemba remains optimistic that the combination of thorough preparations, belief within the squad and determination will enable Kenya to compete with Africa’s best and keep alive the dream of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
FINAL 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
