Kenya have stepped up preparations for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after head coach Beldine Odemba unveiled a 34-player provisional squad and confirmed a build-up programme featuring international friendlies and an overseas training camp.
The squad announcement marks the start of the decisive phase of preparations, which includes two friendly matches in West Africa followed by a residential training camp in Europe.
Kenya will travel to Abidjan on February 28, where they are scheduled to play Benin on March 2 before facing hosts Côte d’Ivoire on March 4. Both matches will be staged at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.
After the fixtures in Abidjan, the team will proceed to Miramas, France, for a training camp running until March 15.
Odemba’s provisional list blends experienced internationals with emerging talent, signalling continuity while maintaining competition for places. Four goalkeepers headline the squad, alongside a sizeable defensive unit that underlines the technical bench’s focus on structure and organisation.
Among those named are Kenya Police Bullets trio Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar and Lorna Nyarinda, while Kibera Soccer Women’s Vivian Shiyonzo and Mary Majeso also make the cut.
Trinity Starlets are represented by Juliet Adhiambo, Elizabeth Muteshi and Mercyline Mejor, with Ulinzi Starlets defender Diana Shakava and Kayole Starlets forward Euphraiser Shilwatso included.
The squad features a strong youth component, with eight players from Kenya’s U20 side earning senior team opportunities. Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Fasila Adhiambo, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva retain their places, while Diana Ochol, Vidah Akeyo and Lornah Faith receive their first senior call-ups.
“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba said.
“Integrating players from the U20 team gives us depth and continuity, and it is important for the long-term growth of the national team.”
The two friendlies in Abidjan will give the technical bench an opportunity to test combinations and assess match readiness against competitive opposition before the squad travels to Europe.
The Miramas camp is expected to focus on tactical refinement, match fitness and team cohesion ahead of the tournament.
“The friendly matches and the Miramas camp will allow us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in real match situations,” Odemba added. “Preparation is key. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”
Kenya will open their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17, before facing Senegal on March 20 and Algeria on March 23.
Harambee Starlets Provisional Squad (WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers:
Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanța), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)
Defenders:
Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena), Enez Mango (Farul Constanța), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigücü Spor), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Diana Ochol (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Mercyline Mejor (Trinity Starlets), Mary Majeso (Kibera Soccer Women), Euphraiser Shilwatso (Kayole Starlets), Diana Shakava (Ulinzi Starlets), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets)
Midfielders:
Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Vidah Akeyo (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lornah Faith (Butere Girls), Mwanalima Adam (HB Køge), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets)
Forwards:
Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Valerie Nekesa (Soccer Assassins), Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Purity Akinyi (Shabana Starlets)
