Harambee Starlets name final squad for Seychelles Olympic qualifiers

Oduor has recalled Corazone after being dropped by immediate former head coach Beldine Odemba for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) games in Morocco.

The Simba Queens skipper had been an influential figure in the Kenyan side for the past decade and her recent exclusion from the Harambee Starlets Squad had raised eyebrows before Oduor bowed to the pressure of reinstating her back to the team as he looks to bank on her experience in the middle of the park.

Aquino will join regulars Fasila Adhiambo and Mwanahalima Adam Jereko in the midfield which also consists of Mercy Airo, Martha Amunyolete, Sheryl Angachi and youngster Marion Serenge.

Returning also to the fold is FC Masar’s recent signing and prolific forward Jentrix Shikangwa. Shikangwa makes her return to Harambee Starlets after more than a year-and-a-half away from competitive international football, having last featured in Kenya’s 1–0 victory over Tunisia in the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers in February 2025.

The 24-year-old arrives in red-hot form having already hit double figures in terms of goals for her new side FC Masar.

Shikangwa joins her former Vihiga Queens teammate Violet Nanjala, youngsters Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa and Elizabeth Mideva and Wacker Insbruck’s Sylvia Makungu, who has also gotten the nod after being in the cold for six years since making her debut in 2020.

The final squad also includes a strong defensive unit led by veterans Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango and Vivian Nasaka. Norah Ann, Leah Andiema, Janet Mumo, Elizabeth Muteshi and a returning Wincaate Kaari.

Hellen Ochieng, the only player among the five new faces called up in the provisional squad to make the final cut, also joins them in defence.

In goal, Oduor will rely on experienced shot-stopper Lilian Awuor with Kenya Police Bullets’ Annedy Kundu and Vivian Shiyonzo providing cover.

Ulinzi Starlets Lavender Akinyi and Kenya Police Bullets’ trio of Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorna Nyarinda and Tereza Engesha are some of the popular names who have been dropped.

Kenya will play two-legged ties on Thursday, October 8, and Monday, October 12, 2026, with both matches set to be played at Ulinzi Sports Complex 3pm.