Junior Starlets set for Uganda test as Cheche unveils 30-player squad

Junior Starlets head coach Mildred Cheche has named a 30-player provisional squad ahead of Kenya’s two-legged FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Uganda.

Cheche has largely retained the core that impressed in the previous round, where the Junior Starlets thrashed Namibia 7-1 on aggregate to advance.

Only a handful of new faces have been included, with Florence Mboya, Daisy Adongo, Jael Nanjala, Grace Wangari, Martha Musimbi, Rochelle Faith and Khadija Furaha earning call-ups.

The team is set to report to camp on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Kasarani Annex, where the final 23-player squad will be selected ahead of the crucial tie.

Kenya will face Uganda in the first leg on May 22 at FUFA Stadium in Kabaka, Uganda, before hosting the return leg on May 30 at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

Should the Starlets overcome their neighbours, they will progress to the final round of qualifiers, where they are set to face either Tanzania or South Africa for a place at the World Cup.

The team is chasing a second appearance on the global stage, having made history with their debut at the 2024 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

Junior Starlets Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Vallary Achieng, Wekhomba Martha, Mishel Ng'ono

Defenders: Pauline Namisi, Daisy Adongo, Sheila Atieno, Rose Nangila Wanyonyi, Grace Mumo, Idah Mobutu, Florence Mboya, Jael Nanjala, Valary Achieng

Midfielders: Brenda Awuor, Bevarline Awuor, Lindy Weey Atieno, Gaudencia Maloba, Fleviah Khatenje, Tabitha Wambui, Mwanakombo Bakari, Beryl Awuor, Grace Wangari

Forwards: Patience Waithira, Brenda Achieng, Martha Musimbi, Emily Adhiambo, Khadija Furaha, Boke Faith, Ivy Atieno, Rochelle Faith, Elizabeth Alizeba