Rising Starlets head coach Jackline Juma has named a provisional squad of 32 players as preparations intensify for the third round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania, with the team already five days into camp.
The current squad has been trimmed down from an initial pool of 60 players who reported to camp at the start of preparations, following assessments based on form, fitness, and tactical requirements by the technical bench.
Rising Starlets head into the next phase of qualification on the back of an impressive second-round performance against Ethiopia, where Kenya secured a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory to book their place in the third round.
When will Rising Starlets play Tanzania in FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers?
The two-legged tie against Tanzania will see the Rising Starlets host the first leg at home before travelling away for the decisive return fixture.
The first leg will be played on February 7, 2926, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, with kick-off scheduled for 3:00 pm while the return leg will take place on February 14th at the Azam Complex in Tanzania, kicking off at 4:00 pm.
In the provisional squad named on January 22, 2026, it features a blend of experienced players from the previous round and exciting young talents who have impressed in domestic competitions and recent national team engagements.
Being five days into camp has allowed the technical bench to focus on tactical preparation, fitness levels, and team cohesion ahead of the crucial fixtures.
Speaking ahead of the matches, Coach Jackline Juma emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum from the Ethiopia victory while remaining fully focused on the challenge posed by Tanzania at this stage of qualification.
With a place in the next round of the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers at stake, the Rising Starlets will be aiming to make home advantage count in the first leg before seeking a positive result away in Tanzania.
Fans are encouraged to turn up in large numbers at the Ulinzi Sports Complex to rally behind the team as they continue their journey toward World Cup qualification.
Rising Starlets provisional squad
- Goalkeepers
Christine Adhiambo, Mercy Akoth, Velma Abwire, Ephy Awuor.
- Defenders
Sharlot Atieno, Jenevive Mithel, Triza Ekesa, Dorcas Glender, Diana Anyango, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lorine Ilavonga, Patience Asiko, Pauline Sylvia.
- Midfielders
Brenda Awuor, Pearl Olesi, Lornah Faith, Halima Imbachi, Susan Akoth, Jerrine Adhiambo, Velma Awuor, Vidah Akeyo, Rebecca Odato, Fasila Adhiambo.
- Forwards
Beffine Shalley, Quinter Mwendi, Joan Ogola, Valarie Nekesa, Hilder Natecho, Quinter Adhiambo, Emily Morang’a, Elizabeth Mideva, Edna Nasipwondi.
