New Faces Boost Harambee Starlets for WAFCON Qualifiers

Nairobi, Kenya – The Harambee Starlets, Kenya's senior women's national football team, have welcomed new talent into their ranks as they prepare for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers. Defenders Lorine Ilavonga and midfielder Elizabeth Muteshi are among the fresh faces earning their first call-ups to the national squad, a move that signals a blend of experience and youth in Head Coach Beldine Odemba's provisional 38-player squad.

The Starlets are set to kick off their WAFCON campaign with the first leg against The Gambia on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM EAT at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The team will then travel to Senegal for the return leg, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès.

Historical Context and Road to WAFCON

Kenya last participated in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations in 2016, marking their debut appearance in the continental showpiece. Since then, qualification has remained elusive. The current qualifiers represent a significant opportunity for the Harambee Starlets to make a return to the prestigious tournament.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers draw on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt. Kenya was initially drawn against Tunisia in the first round, with matches scheduled for February 2025. However, subsequent reports indicate the Starlets will face The Gambia in the second round of qualifiers.

Squad Composition and Preparations

Head Coach Beldine Odemba announced the provisional squad on Thursday, October 2, 2025, emphasizing a balanced mix of seasoned players and promising young talent. The team reported to camp on Sunday, October 5, 2025, to commence intensive training ahead of the crucial fixtures. The squad was later trimmed to 23 players as training intensified.

Lorine Ilavonga, a defender from Ulinzi Starlets, has stepped up from the Rising Starlets (Kenya's U20 women's national team). Elizabeth Muteshi, an U20 graduate, earned her senior call-up after impressing with her composure and passing range in youth competitions. Other notable inclusions from the Rising Starlets include Mercy Akoth, Shirleen Opisa, and Charity Midewa.

Stakeholder Expectations and Implications

The inclusion of young, promising players like Ilavonga and Muteshi is seen as a deliberate effort to strengthen the squad and invest in Kenya's future attacking power. This approach aims to build a robust team capable of consistent performance on the continental stage. The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has expressed optimism about the team's chances, highlighting the expanded talent pool and Odemba's focus on youth integration.

Evidence/Data Box

• First Leg: Harambee Starlets vs. The Gambia, Friday, October 24, 2025, 6:00 PM EAT, Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
• Return Leg: The Gambia vs. Harambee Starlets, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Stade Lat Dior, Thiès, Senegal.
• Provisional Squad Announcement: Thursday, October 2, 2025.
• Team Reported to Camp: Sunday, October 5, 2025.
• Last WAFCON Appearance: 2016.

What to Watch

All eyes will be on the Harambee Starlets as they aim to secure a spot in the 2026 WAFCON. The performance of the newly called-up players, particularly Ilavonga and Muteshi, will be closely watched as they transition into the senior team. The results of these two crucial matches will determine Kenya's immediate future in continental women's football.