Addis ababa: The Kenya U20 Women's National team, known as The Rising Starlets, is set to face Ethiopia in the first leg of the second round of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers on Sunday, September 21. The match will take place at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, with a scheduled kick-off at 3:00 pm EAT.
According to Kenya News Agency, the return leg is slated for Sunday, September 28, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, also commencing at 3:00 pm EAT. The aggregate winner between Kenya and Ethiopia will progress 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, has announced her squad for the upcoming match against Ethiopia. Fasila Adhiambo will lead the team as captain, with Lorine Ilavonga as her deputy. Coach Juma emphasized that players were chosen based on performance, fitness, and tactical readiness. She noted the positive attitude and progress of the team during training sessions.
Coach Juma has selected a blend of youth and experience for the squad, promoting several players from the Junior Starlets U-17 team that participated in the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in the Dominican Republic. The coach stated, "The final list includes a balance of experienced names and young players who were promoted from the U17 side." She outlined Kenya's tactical approach to press early, deny space, and exploit gaps through quick transitions, focusing on securing crucial away goals and aiming for a win.
The team initially announced a provisional squad on September 6, consisting of over 30 players. The technical bench has since trimmed the squad following two training camps. The final squad includes goalkeepers Christine Adhiambo, Velma Abwire, and Ephy Awuor; defenders Elizabeth Ochaka, Vidah Akeyo, Triza Sheryl, Lorine Ilavonga, Ruth Akinyi, Patience Asiko, and Quinter Adhiambo; midfielders Rebecca Odato, Fasila Adhiambo, Beverlyn Awuor, Jerrine Adhiambo, Halima Imbachi, and Pearl Olesi; and forwards Diana Ochol, Emily Morang'a, Mitchelle Waithera, Lornah Faith, Elizabeth Mideva, Valarie Nekesa, and Edina Nasipwondi.