Shikangwa, Aquino back to Harambee Starlets fold as Oduor names squad

Shikangwa, who plays for Egypt’s FC Masar, and Aquino, who plies her trade in Tanzania with Simba Queens were previously left out of the Harambee Starlets squad that featured in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) under the immediate former coach Beldine Odemba.

Panetolikos GFS’s attacker Catherine Khaemba also returns after missing WAFCON due to injury. 

Oduor has also handed five players their maiden call-up as he blends emerging talent with experience in his first assignment.

The five include Shabana Starlets’ defender Hellen Ochieng, Abigael Njeru from Madira Soccer Assassins, Gideon Starlets midfielder Mercyline Wafula, Vihiga Queens' midfielder Josephine Warenga and Kayole Starlets attacker Magneta Ocharo

The squad also features regulars Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Fasila Adhiambo, Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Ochaka, Vivian Nasaka, Mwanalima Adam, Violet Nanjala, Tereza Engesha among others.

Kenya will face Seychelles in a two-legged first-round tie, with the first leg set for October 8th in Seychelles and the return leg at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium on October 12th.

The winner will advance to the next stage of the qualification campaign, with two African teams eventually earning places at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu (Kenya Police Bullets), Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanta, Romania), Vivian Shiyonzo (Kibera Soccer Women), Juliet Adhiambo (Trinity Starlets), Monica Odato (Gor Mahia Queens)

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi (Simba Queens, Tanzania) , Elizabeth Ochaka (Kenya Police Bullets), Norah Ann (Kenya Police Bullets), Leah Andiema (Kenya Police Bullets), Vivian Nasaka (hakkarigucu spor, Turkey), Enez Mango (Politehnica Timișoara Feminina, Romania), Mary Nthambi (Kenya Police Bullets), Janet Mumo (Kibera Soccer Women), Wincaate Kaari (Mathare United Women) Elizabeth Muteshi (Trinity Starlets), Hellen Ochieng (Shabana) Lavine Achola (Haymanaspor, Turkey), Euphrasier Shilwatso (Haymanaspor, Turkey), Abigael Njeru (Madira Soccer Assassins)

Midfielders: Lorna Nyarinda (Kenya Police Bullets), Fasila Adhiambo (Simba Queens), Mercy Airo (Ulinzi Starlets), Martha Amunyolete (Kenya Police Bullets), Elizabeth Mideva (FC Gintra, Lithuania), Mwanalima Adam (HB Koge, Denmark), Lavender Akinyi (Ulinzi Starlets), Corazone Aquino (Simba Queens), Mercyline Wafula (Gedion Starlets), Marion Serenge (St. Noa Girls, Uganda), Josephine Warenga (Vihiga Queens)

Forwards: Tereza Engesha (Kenya Police Bullets) , Faith Mboya (Kenya Police Bullets), Violet Nanjala (Hibernians FC Women, Scotland) , Eglay Mukhwana (Kenya Police Bullets), Shaline Nambengele (Ulinzi Starlets) , Airin Madalina (Kenya Police Bullets), Valerie Nekesa (CD Tenerife Femenino, Spain), Sylvia Makungu (Wacker Innsbruck W, Austria), Jentrix Shikangwa (FC Masar, Egypt), Magneta Ocharo (Kayole Starlets), Charity Midewa (Madira Soccer Assassins), Shirleen Opisa (Amus College, Uganda), Catherine Khaemba (Panetolikos GFS, Greece).