Now Reading: Kenya Rising Starlets Squad 2025: Complete Guide to FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers vs Ethiopia
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Kenya Rising Starlets Squad 2025: Complete Guide to FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers vs Ethiopia
Kenya Rising Starlets Squad 2025: Complete Guide to FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers vs Ethiopia
The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially unveiled the 21-player squad for the Kenya Women’s U20 National Team, the Rising Starlets, as they prepare for a crucial second-round tie against Ethiopia in the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup 2026 qualifiers.
Head Coach Jackline Juma has assembled a dynamic team that blends experienced youth internationals with promising talent promoted from the U17 Junior Starlets, signaling a strategic, long-term approach to youth development.
This campaign represents a historic opportunity for Kenya, as the Rising Starlets have never qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
Their journey will be a tough one, starting with a challenging two-legged fixture against a familiar and formidable Ethiopian side.
Key Takeaways
- FKF unveils 21-player squad for crucial FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia
- Team features blend of experienced youth internationals and promoted U17 talents
- Rising Starlets face Ethiopia in challenging two-legged fixture starting September 21, 2025
- Kenya has never qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup before
- Away leg at high-altitude Abebe Bikila Stadium presents unique challenges
- Squad led by Captain Fasila A. Omondi and Vice-Captain Lorine Ilavonga
Table of Contents
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Join Futaa Fisaa WhatsApp ChannelThe Crucial Fixture: Dates, Venues, and Key Challenges
The Rising Starlets will face Ethiopia in a home-and-away series that will test their skill, endurance, and mental fortitude.
Match Details
| Match | Information |
|---|---|
| First Leg (Away) | September 21, 2025, at Abebe Bikila Stadium, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia |
| Return Leg (Home) | September 28, 2025, at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Competition Stage | Second Round, CAF Qualifiers for FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup 2026 |
| Progression | The winner on aggregate will advance to the third round of qualifiers |
Facing the Ethiopian Challenge Head-On
Playing in Addis Ababa presents a unique set of obstacles that the Rising Starlets must overcome.
- High Altitude: The Abebe Bikila Stadium is situated at approximately 2,490 meters, an altitude that significantly impacts player stamina and ball movement due to the thinner air.
- Artificial Turf: The team must adapt quickly to the artificial playing surface, which can affect game speed and player agility.
- Hostile Atmosphere: With a capacity of around 25,000, the stadium is expected to be filled with passionate home supporters, creating intense pressure on the visiting Kenyan squad.
The team is well aware of these challenges, especially after a difficult experience at the same stadium during the 2024 qualifiers, where they were eliminated by Ethiopia.
Coach Juma’s preparation has included training on similar surfaces and implementing specific recovery strategies to cope with the demanding environment.
The primary goal for the away leg is to score at least one goal to gain a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture in Nairobi.
As Head Coach Jackline Juma has stated, the Rising Starlets are “determined to navigate Ethiopia’s challenges and keep their World Cup dreams alive” with a combination of experience, talent, and tactical preparation.
Meet the Squad: The 21 Players Tasked with Making History
Coach Jackline Juma has selected a balanced squad featuring a mix of defensive stalwarts, creative midfielders, and pacey forwards.
The team is led by Captain Fasila A. Omondi and Vice-Captain Lorine Ilavonga.
Kenya Rising Starlets Traveling Squad:
Goalkeepers:
- Christine Adhiambo
- Velma Abwire
- Ephy Awuor
Defenders:
- Elizabeth Ochaka
- Patience Asiko
- Vidah A. Sharon
- Triza Sheryl
- Lorine Ilavonga (Vice Captain)
- Ruth Akinyi
- Quinter Adhiambo
Midfielders:
- Rebecca Odato
- Fasila A. Omondi (Captain)
- Beverlyne Awuor
- Jerrine Adhiambo
- Halima Imbachi
- Pearl Olesi
Forwards:
- Emily Morang’a
- Mitchelle Waithera
- Lornah Faith
- Elizabeth Mideva
- Valarie Nekesa
- Diana A. Ochol
Key Players to Watch:
- Christine Adhiambo (Goalkeeper): Expected to start, bringing significant international youth experience to the team.
- Elizabeth Ochaka & Vidah Sharon (Defenders): This defensive pair is known for their aerial dominance and ability to read the game, a critical asset against Ethiopia’s dynamic attack.
- Fasila Omondi, Rebecca Odato, & Beverlyne Awuor (Midfielders): This trio will be tasked with controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game from the midfield.
- Diana Ochol & Emily Morang’a (Forwards): Their pace and finishing ability will be key to Kenya’s offensive strategy, while Mitchelle Waithera and Valarie Nekesa excel at creating chances through link-up play.
Historical Context and National Aspirations
This campaign is not just another tournament; it is a pivotal moment for women’s football in Kenya.
Rising Starlets’ Qualification History:
- Best Performance: Reached the third round of the 2022 qualifiers before being eliminated by Ghana 7-1 on aggregate.
- 2024 Qualifiers: Knocked out in the third round by Ethiopia after struggling in the away leg in Addis Ababa.
- Overall Record: The team has never qualified for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
This year’s team is a product of FKF’s long-term youth development plan, which has seen several talented players graduate from the U17 Junior Starlets.
This strategy ensures team continuity and provides the players with valuable experience from previous FIFA U17 World Cup qualifiers.
Why This Campaign Matters:
- Continental Recognition: A successful run would elevate the Rising Starlets’ reputation across Africa.
- Domestic Growth: Strong performances could inspire increased investment and grassroots support for women’s football in Kenya.
- Making History: Qualifying for the expanded 24-team 2026 World Cup would be a landmark achievement for the nation.
With Africa having a limited number of qualification slots, every match in this knockout format is crucial.
The Rising Starlets are poised to face their rivals, overcome past hurdles, and chase their World Cup dream.
