The venue for Harambee Starlets’ 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier home match against Tunisia slated for Friday, February 21, 2025, has been announced.

The qualifier will be staged at the Ulinzi Sports Complex according to a communication from the Football Kenya Federation.

The Kenyan women’s team will face off against the North Africans before travelling for the second leg in Tunis, Tunisia, on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Speaking ahead of the clash, coach Beldine Odemba revealed the team will be out to claim an early advantage in the home fixture.

“Tunisia is a strong side, but we are ready for the challenge ahead. In our home match, we need to score and press forward aggressively to secure a positive result,” Odemba said.

”The youth are the future of football. Bringing them into the senior team helps build a conveyor belt of talent. A great example is former Junior Starlets captain Elizabeth Ochaka, who has already played at the highest level, the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, leading her team to Kenya’s first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance.”

Preparations underway

Starlets have already embarked on their preparations for the clash with players joining the team’s camp at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani on Monday, February 10, 2025.

 The federation has confirmed the arrivals of 26 players with the remaining 10 international players set to join as soon as the FIFA international window opens.

On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Coach Odemba revealed her contingent for the upcoming clash. The trainer selected a blend of experienced and new faces in the team.

Faith Mboya, the fast and rising star of Kibera soccer girls, Catherine Khaemba of Bungoma Queens and Emily Moranga of Kenya Police Bullets were among the notable additions to the Starlets squad.

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

Odemba further included a host of star-studded internationals in the squad to bolster up the new members.

Cynthia Shilwasto who plies her trade in Turkey joined Leila Apiyo and Enez 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.