Africa-Press – Kenya. First-time call-up Marion Serenge and returning midfielder Terry Engesha headline Harambee Starlets’ 31-player provisional squad named by head coach Beldine Odemba.
The selections signal a deliberate blend of youth and experienced reinforcements as Kenya intensifies preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Serenge earns her maiden senior team invitation after rising through the Junior Starlets ranks. She featured at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup before translating that exposure into fine form at St. Noa FC in Uganda. Serenge has struck six goals in five appearances.
Engesha makes a return to the fold following an impressive run with Kenya Police Bullets and having revived her national team prospects.
Midfielder Mercy Airo also rejoins the squad after a consistent spell with Ulinzi Starlets, as Odemba leans on in-form domestic performers alongside emerging talent to reinforce key areas of the pitch, in what reflects a wider squad evolution strategy.
The FIFA Women’s Series will be staged at the Nyayo National Stadium from April 11 to 15. Kenya will host Australia, India and Malawi in a four-nation tournament designed to offer competitive exposure against varied opposition.
The opening day fixtures will see Australia face Malawi at 2.00 pm before Harambee Starlets take on India at 6.00 pm. The tournament will conclude on April 15 with the third-place play-off scheduled for 2.00 pm, followed by the final at 6.00 pm, all at Nyayo.
The short-format competition provides a structured environment for match assessment and squad rotation. Odemba emphasised the importance of the series in fine-tuning the team ahead of the continental assignment.
She said: “Facing teams from different regions will help the technical bench evaluate progress and identify areas for improvement. particularly as Kenya comes up against higher-ranked opposition.”
Australia head into the tournament ranked 15th globally, with India placed 67th and Malawi 153rd, while Kenya sits 134th. This places the Starlets in a competitive bracket that will test their adaptability and resilience across contrasting styles of play.
The FIFA Women’s Series is structured to increase international match opportunities for women’s teams. It aligns with broader efforts to elevate competitiveness across federations.
Kenya, who reported to camp on April 1, will open their campaign against India on April 11 at 6.00 pm at Nyayo National Stadium.
They will then proceed to the classification matches on April 15. The outcomes will shape their readiness heading into the WAFCON tournament set for July 25 to August 16 in Morocco.
Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets); Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Romania)
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Vihiga Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Vidah Sharon (Kenya Police Bullets), Terry Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda ( Police Bullets)
Forwards: Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Marion Serenge (St. Noah, Uganda), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Valerie Nekesa( Soccer Assassins), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens).
