Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has unveiled a 29-player provisional squad for the upcoming 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as Kenya prepares for its long-awaited return to the continental showpiece in Morocco.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsOdemba has largely retained the core of the squad that played a crucial role in securing qualification for the tournament, while also rewarding several emerging talents with opportunities to stake their claim ahead of the final squad selection.Harambee Stars forward joins South African outfit after sensational season in ZambiaAmong the experienced players retained are goalkeepers Annedy Kundu and Lilian Awuor, defenders Ruth Ingosi and Enez Mango, midfielders Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha and Fasila Adhiambo, as well as the attacking duo of Violet Nanjala and Valerie Nekesa.The squad also marks the return of Trinity Starlets duo Lilian Adhiambo and Elizabeth Muteshi, who have earned recalls to the national team setup after impressive performances at club level.##NAJAVA_MECA_9815025##In a further indication of the team's commitment to blending experience with youth, Odemba has handed provisional call-ups to a number of promising young players, including Elizabeth Ochaka, Marion Serenge, Elizabeth Mideva and Muteshi, all of whom will be hoping to make the final squad for the tournament.Kenya will be making its first appearance at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in a decade, having last featured at the continental competition in 2016.From Origi to Mabil: Four players with Kenyan roots who made FIFA World Cup historyStarlets secured qualification after a series of impressive performances during the qualification campaign, ending a 10-year wait for a return to Africa's biggest women's football stage.Kenya has been drawn into a challenging group and will kick off their campaign against hosts Morocco on Sunday, 25 July, at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. The match is scheduled to begin at 11:00 pm East African Time.##NAJAVA_MECA_9815024##Kenya will then continue its group-stage journey before concluding its preliminary round fixtures against Algeria on Monday, 3 August, at the Olympic Stadium.Speaking after naming her provisional squad, Odemba acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge awaiting her side but expressed confidence in the team's ambitions.Why replacing Enock Morrison will hand Gor Mahia a headache"Representing Kenya at WAFCON is a privilege, and as a team, we have set ourselves a clear target. We know that a place in the semi-finals would give us our debut in the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, and that is something we are striving for," said Odemba.A place in the last four would not only mark the Starlets' best-ever performance at the continental tournament but would also secure a historic first qualification to the FIFA Women's World Cup.##NAJAVA_MECA_9815024##The team is set to report to camp on Monday, 29 June, to begin preparationsHarambee Starlets provisional squadGoalkeepersAnnedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo, Lilian Adhiambo.DefendersLeah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Elizabeth Muteshi, Mary Nthambi.MidfieldersMwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Shaline Nambengele, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina.ForwardsShirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Elizabeth Mideva, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa, Catherine Khaemba and Tumaini Waliaula.
169