Harambee Starlets have touched down in Tunisia ahead of their second-leg clash in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier. The match is set for Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 4 PM EAT at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Sousse, Tunisia.
A win in this decisive fixture would propel Kenya to the next qualification round, where they would face the winner between Niger and Gambia. Securing a spot in the 2026 WAFCON would mark Kenya’s second appearance in the tournament within a decade.
First Leg Recap: A Goalless Stalemate in Nairobi
In the first leg of the qualifier, Kenya and Tunisia battled to a goalless draw at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Friday, February 21, 2025. Despite multiple attacking opportunities from both sides, neither team managed to break the deadlock, leaving the tie wide open ahead of the return leg.
Harambee Starlets’ head coach, Beldine Odemba, fielded a strong lineup featuring key players such as Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam Jereko and captain Dorcas Shikobe. The team will need a solid performance in Tunisia to advance to the next stage of qualification.
WAFCON Qualification Format
The final phase of the competition consists of three groups, each with four teams. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. From there, the tournament follows a knockout format leading up to the final, where the champion will be crowned.
Harambee Starlets Travelling Squad
Goalkeepers:
- Annedy Kundu
- Lilian Awuor
Defenders:
- Dorcas Shikobe
- Enez Mango
- Janet Mumo
- Ruth Ingosi
- Elizabeth Ochaka
- Tabitha Amoit
Midfielders:
- Corazone Aquino
- Cynthia Shilwatso
- Fasila Adhiambo
- Lavender Akinyi
- Lydia Akoth
- Sheryl Angach
Forwards:
- Mwanahalima Adam
- Violet Nanjala
- Elizabeth Wambui
- Janet Bundi
- Rebecca Okwaro
- Elizabeth Mideva
- Emily Moranga
- Jentrix Shikangwa
- Tereza Engesha
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets will be looking to make history by advancing to the next round and securing their place in the 2026 WAFCON.
