Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba Names Squad for CECAFA Senior Championships

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba.

Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba Names Squad for CECAFA Senior Championships

Abigael Wafula 17:45 - 10.06.2025

Beldine Odemba has unveiled an inexperienced squad ahead of the CECAFA Women's Senior Championships.

A largely inexperienced 25-player Harambee Starlets squad has been named ahead of the upcoming 2025 CECAFA Women's Senior Championships to be played in Tanzania.

The competition kicks off on Thursday, June 12, with Kenya expected to report to camp on Monday, June 10, ahead of the regional showpiece, which will end on June 22.

The squad is made up largely of inexperienced players and excludes many regulars from the national setup, including Mwanahalima Adam, Jentrix Shikangwa and Phoebe Aketch.

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Who will Harambee Starlets Face at CECAFA Tourney?

Harambee Starlets squad
Harambee Starlets. Photo/FKF

For the CECAFA Women's Senior Championships, Harambee Starlets will be joined by hosts Tanzania, South Sudan, Burundi, and Uganda. The tournament has been organised by CECAFA in collaboration with the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).

The tournament will be a crucial preparation for CECAFA's representative ahead of the 2025 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set for Morocco in October.

The tournament will play a crucial role in preparing Harambee Starlets, serving as a valuable warm-up ahead of their final round qualifier against Gambia for the 2026 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Coach Beldine Odemba will be keen on guiding Kenya to the continental stage for the first time since Harambee Starlets made their debut in 2016.

The regional tournament will be a test of the squad's readiness ahead of the crucial fixture awaiting Harambee Starlets.

Harambee Starlets Lose to Morocco in Friendly Encounter

Harambee Starlets
Harambee Starlets. Photo: Imago

In their most recent international friendly match against Morocco on June 4, Harambee Starlets endured a tough outing, losing 5-1 by Morocco.

The match was held at the Village Sportif de Tanger Stadium in Tangier and was played behind closed doors.

Following the heavy beating, defender Diana Shikobe emphasised the importance of such high-profile friendly matches, noting that it helps the team learn from their mistakes and build a better squad.

“We have learned a lot from these friendlies. We are still building the team and the new ones have learned a lot. This will help us in the upcoming match,” said Dorcas Shikobe as per FKF media.

“This match has helped us a lot and we want another one because we are here to learn and that is what this sport is all about.”

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo

Defenders

Elizabeth Ochaka, Alice Mideri, Tabitha Amoit, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka

Midfielders

Diana Wacera, Martha Amunyolet, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Ann Akinyi, Medina Abubakar Hussein, Corazone Aquino

Forwards

Emily Morang’a, Swaum Nanjaka Masungo, Faith Mboya, Elizabeth Wambui, Tumaini Waliaula, Violet Nanjala

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