Mary Nthambi and Janet Mumo are among the new faces named in the Harambee Starlets provisional squad set for the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia.

The Police Bullets midfielder, Nthambi, joins coach Beldine Odemba’s provisional 36-member list ahead of the two-legged tie against North African opponents.

The team will begin their campaign at home on Friday, February 21, 2025, before travelling to Tunis for the return fixture on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens) and Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets) have earned their first senior call-up after previously featuring for the U20 squad.

Goalkeepers Vivian Shiyonzo of Kibera Soccer Girls and Lavender Abongo of KISPED Queens have also secured call-ups as they look to leverage from the experience of custodian Anedy Kundu and Turkey Lilian Awuor in the national team set-up.

Faith Mboya, the fast and rising star of Kibera Soccer Girls, Catherine Khaemba of Bungoma Queens and Emily Moranga of Kenya Police Bullets are the other notable additions.

Khaemba tops the FKF Women Premier League scoring charts alongside Beverline Adika of Zetech Sparks.

Star-studded Pros

The new faces will be bolstered by a contingent of experienced players as Odemba opted for a blend of youth and experience of in the squad.

Cynthia Shilwasto who plies her trade in Turkey joins Leila Apiyo and Ezne Mango in the European-based players.

Shilwatso linked up with Turkish Women’s First League side Beşiktaş United Payment Kadın Football Club in November 2024.

Meanwhile, the new Yanga Princess midfielder and 2024 FKF Women Premier League MVP, Lydia Akoth Ozil has maintained her spot in Odemba’s team.

The former Police enforcer looks to extend her impressive form to the national team front.

Success over Tunisia will see Starlets advance to the second round where they will face the winner of the match between Niger and Gambia.

Kenya last made it to the continental showpiece in 2016 under coach David Ouma.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Lavender Abongo (KISPED Queens)

Defenders

Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirines of Grevena, Greece), Benedete Atieno (KISPED Queens), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets),Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Wincate Kaari (Simba Queens), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leila Apiyo (Sirines of Grevena, Greece), Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets), Janet Mumo (Kibera Girls Soccer)

Midfielders

Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Sheril Angach (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amnyolet (Vihiga Queens), Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets), Lavender Ann Akinyi (Ulinzi Starlets), Yvonne Idagiza (Kibera Girls Soccer), Cynthia Shilwatso (Besiktas, Turkey), Beverline Adika (Zetech Sparks)

Forwards

Mwanalima Adam (Kansas, USA), Elizabeth Mideva (Archbishop Njenga), Tereza Engesha, Rebecca Okwaro (Kenya Police Bullets), Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui ( (Simba Queens), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens), Janet Bundi , Faith Mboya ( Kibera Girls Soccer), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets).