Ulinzi Sports Complex will host Harambee Starlets’ 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier home match against Tunisia on 21 February.
The return leg is scheduled for 25 February in Tunis, Tunisia.
Head coach Beldine Odemba has emphasized the need for sharpness in front of the goal: “Tunisia is a strong side, but we are ready for the challenge ahead. In our home match, we need to score and press forward aggressively to secure a positive result.”
Odemba, a CAF B-licensed coach, has also put emphasis on the importance of integrating junior players into the senior squad to enhance competition.
“The youth are the future of football. Bringing them into the senior team helps build a conveyor belt of talent. A great example is former Junior Starlets captain Elizabeth Ochaka, who has already played at the highest level, the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, leading her team to Kenya’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance,” said Odemba, highlighting the need for a steady flow of fresh talent into the team to maintain competitiveness in the long run.
Last Tuesday, Odemba, who also serves as the u-20 Rising Starlets head coach, named a provisional 36-player squad including 11 new faces.
The newcomers include goalkeepers Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Girls) and Lavender Abongo (KISPED Queens).
The defensive unit welcomes Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens) and Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), who earned their first senior call-up after previously featuring for the U20 squad. She is joined by Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets), and Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Girls).
In midfield, Yvonne Idagiza (Kibera Soccer Girls) has earned her place in the squad. The attack will be bolstered by Faith Mboya (Kibera Soccer Girls), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens) and Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets).
Currently 26 players have reported to camp for training session while additional 10 will link up with the team after the FIFA transfer window opens on 17 February and close on 26 February.
