Engesha, Serenge back for Harambee Starlets as squad named for inaugural FIFA Women's Series

Kenya will host the four-nation tournament at Nyayo National Stadium, with Harambee Starlets joined by Australia, India and Malawi.

The players are expected to report to camp on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, ahead of the tournament.

New Call-Up and Returning Players

Among the notable inclusions in the squad is Marion Serenge, who has earned her first senior national team call-up. Serenge was part of the Junior Starlets squad at the 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup and has impressed since joining St. Noa FC in Uganda, where she has scored six goals in five appearances.

The provisional squad also includes the return of Terry Engesha, whose recent performances since joining Kenya Police Bullets have seen her work her way back into the national team set-up.

Mercy Airo is also back in the squad after a strong run of form with Ulinzi Starlets.

Tournament Schedule

The tournament will begin on Saturday, April 11, with two matches scheduled at Nyayo National Stadium.

Australia will face Malawi at 2.00 pm before Harambee Starlets take on India at 6.00 pm.

The competition will conclude on Wednesday, April 15, with the third-place play-off scheduled for 2.00 pm, followed by the final at 6.00 pm.

Strong Opposition for Starlets

The FIFA Women’s Series will provide Harambee Starlets with an opportunity to face teams from different regions and playing styles ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Australia head into the tournament ranked 15th in the world, while India are ranked 67th and Malawi 153rd. Kenya are currently ranked 134th.

Odemba on the FIFA Women’s Series

Odemba said the tournament will play an important role in the team’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

“We are looking forward to the FIFA Women’s Series as an important part of our preparations for WAFCON. Playing against teams with different styles and strong international experience will help us assess the progress we have made and identify areas we need to improve.

The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Morocco from July 25 to August 16, 2026.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets)

Defenders

Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorine Ilavonga (Ulinzi Starlets), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Kayole Starlet), Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucuspor, Turkey), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Alice Mideri (Vihiga Queens), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Enez Mango (Farul Constanta, Romania)

Midfielders

Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Martha Amunyolete (Vihiga Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Airin Madalina (Vihiga Queens), Vidah Sharon (Kenya Police Bullets), Terry Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets), Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets)

Forwards

Elizabeth Mideva (Ulinzi Starlets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets), Eglay Mukhwana (Trinity Starlets), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Marion Serenge (St. Noah, Uganda), Elizabeth Wambui (Simba Queens), Valerie Nekesa( Soccer Assassins), Linda Kihara (Kayole Starlet), Jentrix Shikangwa (Simba Queens)