Lorine Ilavonga and Elizabeth Muteshi are delighted after earning their first call-up to the Kenya senior women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets, for the upcoming two-legged 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against The Gambia.

The Starlets will kick off their campaign at home in Nairobi, with the first leg scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at 6:00 pm at Nyayo National Stadium. They will then travel to Senegal for the return leg on Tuesday, 28 October 2025, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès.

With Harambee Starlets in camp preparing for the particular assignments, Lorine Illavonga and Elizabeth Muteshi have expressed gratitude for making the cut and representing the country on a bigger stage.

”I thank God for the opportunity to earn a senior team call-up. It is not easy; it requires hard work and confidence. I will take in what our coaches are teaching and hopefully learn one or two things,” Lorine Ilavonga said on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Ilavonga has linked her maiden call-up to the Harambee Starlets to hard work and determination. Muteshi has described her slot at the national team as a result of self-belief and determination, further reflecting on the days she has been featuring in the junior national side, the Rising Starlets, who are also on course to qualify for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.

”Getting my senior call-up felt so great. I remember when featuring for the U20 team, our coaches encouraged us to work hard for this opportunity. I hope to remain in the team, represent my country and showcase what I have,” Elizabeth Muteshi said.

Meanwhile, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has named a 38-player provisional squad for the particular fixture.

Fresh faces in the squad

The provisional list features several new names as the coach looks to strengthen key areas of the team ahead of the crucial tie. Among the goalkeeping additions is Vihiga Queens shot-stopper Mercy Akoth, who earns her first call-up.

The defence will also see new energy with the inclusion of Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlet), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks), and Lorine Ilavonga, who steps up from the Rising Starlets, Kenya’s U20 women’s national team.

Midfield reinforcements

In midfield, coach Odemba has called up U20 graduate Elizabeth Muteshi. Keziah Ngairah also makes her comeback to the Starlets setup, adding experience and depth to the squad.

Boost in the final third

The attack has been boosted with the inclusion of Shirleen Opisa and Charity Midewa, Rising Starlets graduates, and Nicoline Hawa Muteshi, the 2024/25 FKF Women Division One top scorer from Iron Ladies FC, who earns her maiden senior call-up.

Provisional squad

Goalkeepers

Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Girls Soccer), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens)

Defenders

Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Tabitha Amoit (Ulinzi Starlets), Dorcas Shikobe (Sirens of Grevena, Greece), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Turkey), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlet), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks),

Midfielders

Lydia Akoth (Yanga Princess), Medina Abubakar (Kenya Police Bullets), Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Diana Wacera (Kenya Police Bullets), Sheryl Angach (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amnyolet (Vihiga Queens), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Beverlyn Adika (Zetech Sparks), Keziah Ngaira (Ulinzi Starlets), Lavender Ann (Ulinzi Starlets), and Fasila Adhiambo (Ulinzi Starlets)

Forwards

Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Charity Midewa (PalmHill Sports Club, Egypt), Diana Cherono (Vihiga Queens), Tereza Engesha (Wuhan Giangda, China), Faith Mboya (Kibera Soccer Women), Catherine Khaemba (Bungoma Queens), Tumaini Waliaula (Sirens of Grevena), Violet Nanjala (United Eagles FC, Saudi Arabia), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Nicoline Hawi Muteshi (Iron Ladies FC)