Aquino, Shikangwa Return As Starlets Name Squad For Olympic Qualifier

Interim Harambee Starlets head coach Godfrey Oduor has named a 43-player provisional squad as Kenya begins preparations for the 2028 CAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles.

The two-legged encounter will be played at Nyayo National Stadium, with the first leg scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026, and the return match set for Monday, October 12. Both matches will kick off at 3:00pm. 

Oduor has taken over on an interim basis following the departure of Beldine Odemba, who parted ways with the Football Kenya Federation after guiding the Starlets to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. 

Five players earn maiden call-ups

Oduor has opened the door to new talent, handing five players their first senior national team call-ups.

They are: Hellen Ochieng – Kayole Starlets defender, Abigael Njeru – Madira Soccer Assassins defender, Mercyline Wafula – Gideon Starlets midfielder, Josephine Warenga – Vihiga Queens midfielder and Magneta Ocharo – Kayole Starlets forward

The selection provides an opportunity for the five players to make the step up to the senior national team and compete for places ahead of the Olympic qualifiers. 

Experienced players return

Among those recalled are Corazone Aquino, Jentrix Shikangwa, Monica Odato, Janet Mumo, Wincaate Kaari and Lavine Achola. Shikangwa recently joined Egyptian side FC Masar, while Aquino continues to feature for Tanzania’s Simba Queens. 

The squad therefore combines established internationals, returning players and emerging talent as Oduor begins his first assignment in his latest spell in charge.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets), Monica Odato (Gor Mahia Queens)

Defenders

Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens, Tanzania) , Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Nasaka (hakkarigucu spor, Turkey), Enez Mango (Politehnica Timi?oara Feminina, Romania), Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Wincaate Kaari (Mathare United Women) Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Hellen Ochieng (Shabana Starlets) Lavine Achola (Haymanaspor, Turkey), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Haymanaspor, Turkey), Abigael Njeru (Soccer Assassins)

Midfielders

Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amunyolete (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Mideva (FC Gintra, Lithuania), Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Lavender Akinyi (Ulinzi Starlets), Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Mercyline Wafula (Gedion Starlets), Marion Serenge (St. Noa Girls, Uganda), Josephine Warenga (Vihiga Queens)

Forwards

Tereza Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets) , Faith Mboya (Kenya Police Bullets), Violet Nanjala (Hibernians FC Women, Scotland) , Eglay Mukhwana (Kenya Police Bullets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets) , Airin Madalina (Kenya Police Bullets), Valerie Nekesa (CD Tenerife Femenino, Spain), Sylvia Makungu (Wacker Innsbruck W, Austria), Jentrix Shikangwa (FC Masar, Egypt), Magneta Ocharo (Kayole Starlets), Charity Midewa (Madira Soccer Assassins), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Catherine Khaemba (Panetolikos GFS, Greece).