Kenya Names Provisional Squad for U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers

Kenya U20 women’s team coach Jackline Juma has unveiled her provisional squad ahead of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

The Junior Starlets, who received a bye in the first round, will begin their campaign against Ethiopia later this month. The first leg is scheduled between September 19–21 in Ethiopia, with the return leg set for Nairobi from September 26–28. The winner will advance to the third round to face either Tanzania or Angola in February 2026.

Coach Juma has called up a blend of rising stars and experienced players. Several youngsters who featured in last year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic have stepped up to the U20s, including Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa, and Lornah Faith.

They will link up with senior figures like Fasila Adhiambo, Emily Moranga, Molvine Owuor, Velma Kavesh, and Elizabeth Mideva to provide leadership and stability in the squad.

Preparations include two training camps in Nairobi, with the first group already reporting this week. A second batch of players is expected next week before the technical bench trims the squad to a final list for the Ethiopia tie.

The Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers

Velma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets), Scovia Adhiambo (Kobala), Christine Adhiambo (Butere), Ephy Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Ezra Nekesa (St. Joseph’s, Kitale)

Defenders

Christine Asule (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Habiba Matecho (Coast), Ariana Wanjiku (Melvins Lion Academy), Sauda Henry (MTG), Florence Kalekye (Kangundo Starlets), Saumu Chizi (Changamwe Ladies), Molvine Owuor (Kayole Starlets), Valary Oyugi (Azidi Academy)

Midfielders

Naomi Ongachi (Dagoreti Mixed), Leah Sicheti (Langalanga Secondary), Beverlyn Awuor (Mathare Women), Velma Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Rebecca Odato (Kenya Police Bullets), Halima Imbachi (Butere), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Velma Kavesh (Zetech Sparks), Josephine Jumwa (MTG), Anastasia Munyiva (Charles Muli, Matuu)

Attackers

Brenda Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Mideva (Bishop Njenga), Roseline Mbeyu (Changamwe Ladies), Beffine Shalley (Kobala), Khadija Furaha (Kobala), Marion Serenge (Zetech Sparks), Valarie Nekesa (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lornah Faith (Butere), Jerrine Adhiambo (Mathare Women), Brenda Achieng (Madira Soccer Assassins), Mitshel Waithera (Mathare Women)

Technical Bench
Head Coach: Jackline Juma

First Assistant Coach: Mildred Cheche

Second Assistant Coach: Charles Bruno

Team Manager: Gloria Mwende