The Kenya U20 Women’s National team, The Rising Starlets, will take on Ethiopia for the upcoming first leg of the second round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, September 21.
The Rising Starlets will play the opening leg at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, with kick-off set for 3:00 pm EAT.
The return leg is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, also starting at 3:00 pm EAT.
The winner on aggregate between Kenya and Ethiopia will advance to the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Kenya U20 Women’s National Team head coach, Jackline Juma, named her squad for the upcoming first leg of the second round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers for Ethiopia clash according to details released by FKF on Thursday.
Fasila Adhiambo will captain the team, with Lorine Ilavonga serving as her assistant.
Coach Juma said that players were assessed on performance, fitness, and tactical readiness. She praised the team’s attitude and progress, describing training as a good experience.
Coach Juma opted for a mix of youth and experience, with several players promoted from the Junior Starlets U-17 team that featured at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.
“The final list includes a balance of experienced names and young players who were promoted from the U17 side,”, she said adding that Kenya’s tactical plan is to press early, deny space, and exploit gaps through quick transitions, with a focus on securing crucial away goals and a win.
Kenya had earlier announced a provisional squad on September 6, which included over 30 players. Since then, the technical bench has reduced the number after two training camps.
The squad includes goalkeepers Christine Adhiambo, Velma Abwire, Ephy Awuor. defenders are Elizabeth Ochaka, Vidah Akeyo, Triza Sheryl, Lorine Ilavonga, Ruth Akinyi, Patience Asiko, Quinter Adhiambo
Midfielders will feature Rebecca Odato, Fasila Adhiambo, Beverlyn Awuor, Jerrine Adhiambo, Halima Imbachi, Pearl Olesi.
Forwards are Diana Ochol, Emily Morang’a, Mitchelle Waithera, Lornah Faith, Elizabeth Mideva, Valarie Nekesa, Edina Nasipwondi.
by Anita Omwenga
