Harambee Starlets coach Jackline Juma has named her travelling squad for Kenya’s second-round clash with Ethiopia in the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, as the Rising Starlets seek to advance to the third round of African qualification.
The first leg is set for Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Addis Ababa’s Abebe Bikila Stadium (kick-off 3:00 pm EAT), with the return leg in Nairobi at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Sunday, September 28, also at 3:00 pm.
Veteran defender Fasila Adhiambo will captain the side, supported by Lorine Ilavonga as vice-captain.
The squad is a balanced mix of experience and youth, featuring several players elevated from the Junior Starlets U17 team that competed in the recent FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
Among the 23 named are goalkeepers Christine Adhiambo, Velma Abwire and Ephy Awuor; defenders including Elizabeth Ochaka, Vidah Akeyo and Patience Asiko; midfielders Rebecca Odato and Halima Imbachi; and forward threats like Emily Morang’a, Diana Ochol and Valarie Nekesa.
Kenya earned a bye in the first round and now confronts a stern test against Ethiopia. The tie offers a chance for Juma’s side to build momentum and continue Kenya’s youth development trajectory.
With home advantage in the second leg, the Rising Starlets will be aiming to put pressure on Ethiopia and secure aggregate victory to move closer to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
