Provisional squad announced for Kenya U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers

Kenya is set to begin its campaign for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026, with Coach Jackline Juma announcing her provisional squad for the second round of qualifiers.

Kenya received a bye in the first round and will now face Ethiopia in a two-legged tie. The first match will be in Ethiopia between September 19–21, 2025, while the return leg in Nairobi is scheduled for September 26–28, 2025. The winner will advance to the third round to meet either Tanzania or Angola in February 2026.

Camp and selection

Ahead of the qualifiers, Kenya will hold two short training camps. These sessions will allow the coaching staff to reduce the provisional squad to the final team. The first group of players has already begun reporting this week, while a second group of 30 players will join next week.

Final selections will be made by Head Coach Jackline Juma and her team based on players’ performance, fitness, and tactical suitability for the matches against Ethiopia.

The provisional squad includes both young talent and experienced players. Several members of the Junior Starlets U17 team, who played in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic, have been promoted. These include: Velma Abwire, Scovia Awuor, Ephy Awuor, Lorine Ilavonga, Rebecca Odato, Halima Imbachi, Marion Serenge, Valarie Nekesa, and Lornah Faith.

Experienced players adding strength and composure include Fasila Adhiambo, Emily Moranga, Molvine Owuor, Velma Kavesh, and Elizabeth Mideva.

Provisional squad

Goalkeepers

Velma Abwire (Ulinzi Starlets), Scovia Adhiambo (Kobala), Christine Adhiambo (Butere), Ephy Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Ezra Nekesa (St. Joseph’s, Kitale)

Defenders

Christine Asule (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Habiba Matecho (Coast), Ariana Wanjiku (Melvins Lion Academy), Sauda Henry (MTG), Florence Kalekye (Kangundo Starlets), Saumu Chizi (Changamwe Ladies), Molvine Owuor (Kayole Starlets), Valary Oyugi (Azidi Academy)

Midfielders

Naomi Ongachi (Dagoreti Mixed), Leah Sicheti (Langalanga Secondary), Beverlyn Awuor (Mathare Women), Velma Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Rebecca Odato (Kenya Police Bullets), Halima Imbachi (Butere), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Velma Kavesh (Zetech Sparks), Josephine Jumwa (MTG), Anastasia Munyiva (Charles Muli, Matuu)

Attackers

Brenda Awuor (Madira Soccer Assassins), Emily Moranga (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Mideva (Bishop Njenga), Roseline Mbeyu (Changamwe Ladies), Beffine Shalley (Kobala), Khadija Furaha (Kobala), Marion Serenge (Zetech Sparks), Valarie Nekesa (Madira Soccer Assassins), Lornah Faith (Butere), Jerrine Adhiambo (Mathare Women), Brenda Achieng (Madira Soccer Assassins), Mitshel Waithera (Mathare Women)

Technical staff

Head Coach: Jackline Juma

First Assistant Coach: Mildred Cheche

Second Assistant Coach: Charles Bruno

Team Manager: Gloria Mwende

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