National U20 Women’s National Team head coach Jackline Juma has named her travelling squad for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia, on Sunday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa.
The return leg will be played on September 28 at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi.
It was not all rosy as Juma, though, as Juma revealed that several players reported to camp after weeks away due to school commitments, impacting fitness levels and team cohesion.
However, she praised the team’s attitude and progress, describing training as “so far so good.”
The travelling squad includes goalkeepers Christine Adhiambo, Velma Abwire and Ephy Awuor. Defenders are Elizabeth Ochaka, Vidah Akeyo, Triza Sheryl, Lorine Ilavonga, Ruth Akinyi, Patience Asiko and Quinter Adhiambo.
The midfield will feature Rebecca Odato, Fasila Adhiambo, Beverlyn Awuor, Jerrine Adhiambo, Halima Imbachi and Pearl Olesi. Diana Ochol, Emily Morang’a, Mitchelle Waithera, Lornah Faith, Elizabeth Mideva, Valarie Nekesa and Edina Nasipwondi are tasked with looking for goals.
Fasila Adhiambo has been appointed captain, with Lorine Ilavonga as the assistant. Juma said getting a result away from home in a first-leg match could prove decisive in the race to advance to the third round of the African qualifiers.
The stakes are high with Africa granted just ... slots in the expanded 24-team tournament.
However, Juma revealed how selection was influenced by documentation hurdles. Some players were dropped due to a lack of national identification documents, while others aged out of eligibility.
The technical bench, instead, turned to players previously involved with the U17 team, underlining that promotion to higher age categories is based on merit and development.
She wants increased time in residential camps before major matches and tournaments to allow for better logistics, medical assessments and recovery. “Fitness was a major concern. We’ve increased intensity and are closely monitoring injuries and paperwork,” she said.
Juma identified Ethiopia’s strengths in possession and organisation. But Kenya’s tactical plan, she said, is to press early, deny space, and exploit gaps through quick transitions, with a focus on securing crucial away goals.
Captain Fasila Adhiambo hopes to lead the team to the next round while developing her leadership on the international stage. “This is our chance to make history. We ask Kenyans to follow and support us — their voices give us strength,” she said.
Football Kenya Federation President Husein Mohammed echoed the call for support, urging fans to rally behind the team just as they did with Harambee Stars during CHAN 2024.
