Harambee Starlets head coach Godfrey Oduor has announced his final 25-woman squad for Kenya's 2028 CAF Women's Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles. The team includes several key players who have returned to the squad, such as Vivian Corazone Aquino and Jentrix Shikangwa. Aquino, a midfielder, was influential in the Kenyan side for over a decade before being dropped by former head coach Beldine Odemba for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations games in Morocco.
The return of Aquino and Shikangwa is expected to boost the team's chances in the qualifiers. Shikangwa, a prolific forward, has joined FC Masar and has already scored double figures in terms of goals. She last featured in Kenya's 1-0 victory over Tunisia in the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers in February 2025. Her experience and form will be crucial for the Harambee Starlets in the upcoming matches.
The squad also includes other notable players such as Fasila Adhiambo, Mwanahalima Adam Jereko, and Mercy Airo in the midfield. The team has a strong defensive unit led by veterans Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango, and Vivian Nasaka. The goalkeepers for the team will be Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, and Vivian Shiyonzo.
Kenya will play two-legged ties against Seychelles on Thursday, October 8, and Monday, October 12, 2026. Both matches will be played at Ulinzi Sports Complex at 3 pm. The team has been preparing for these crucial matches, and the return of key players is expected to give them a boost.
The Harambee Starlets have undergone significant changes in recent times, with Godfrey Oduor taking over as head coach. He has been working to rebuild the team and make them more competitive. The inclusion of young players such as Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, and Elizabeth Mideva shows the team's focus on developing new talent.
The final squad announcement has seen some popular names being dropped, including Ulinzi Starlets' Lavender Akinyi and Kenya Police Bullets' trio of Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorna Nyarinda, and Tereza Engesha. However, the team still has a good balance of experience and youth, which will be essential in the upcoming matches.
The Harambee Starlets will be looking to make a strong impression in the 2028 CAF Women's Olympic Qualifiers and secure a spot in the Olympic Games. The team's performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, and the pressure will be on to deliver a positive result.
Key points
- Harambee Starlets coach Godfrey Oduor has named a 25-woman squad for the 2028 CAF Women's Olympic Qualifiers against Seychelles.
- Vivian Corazone Aquino and Jentrix Shikangwa have returned to the squad after being dropped or taking time off from international football.
- Kenya will play two-legged ties against Seychelles on October 8 and 12, 2026, at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
