Ethiopia have named a strong starting XI to face Kenya’s Rising Starlets in a decisive U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier.

Ethiopia have named a strong starting lineup to face Kenya’s Rising Starlets in the crucial second leg of the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier scheduled for Sunday, September 28, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.

The Young Lucy squad, under the guidance of their technical bench, will be aiming to edge past the Kenyan side after both teams battled to a 1-1 draw in the first leg played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa last Sunday.

 That result left the tie finely poised, with Kenya holding the advantage courtesy of their vital away goal scored by Elizabeth Mideva just 37 seconds into the contest.

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Ethiopia’s starting lineup features Abeba Ajebo in goal, while the defensive unit will be marshaled by Hirut Tesfaye, Tigist Adane, Senayit Shego, and Meseret Mamo.

In midfield, the creative hub will revolve around Zufan Defersha, Melat Alimuz, and captain Betelhem Mentelo, who is expected to inspire her teammates with both leadership and technical ability. Dagmawit Solomon and Emush Daniel will offer support in attacking midfield positions, while Mahlet Mitiku spearheads the Ethiopian frontline.

On the bench, Ethiopia have assembled notable options including goalkeeper Abebeyaehu Tassew, defenders Betelhem Gizachew and Milien Gayem, as well as versatile players such as Birhan Haileslassie, Tarik Petros, Fikraddis Gezahegn, and Selamawit Gossaye. This depth could prove crucial as the visitors look to overturn Kenya’s slight edge and progress to the third round of qualifiers.

The Rising Starlets, coached by Jackline Juma, will count on the home crowd in Lang’ata to provide an extra push. Kenya’s early strike in the first leg showed their attacking intent, though Ethiopia responded strongly and equalized to keep the contest alive. With Ulinzi Sports Complex expected to host a passionate home crowd, the Kenyan side will be eager to capitalize on familiar territory.

For Ethiopia, maintaining composure and discipline will be key, as conceding an early goal once again could complicate their mission. The visitors will rely on their midfield dynamism and defensive solidity to keep the Rising Starlets at bay while searching for crucial goals of their own.

The Young Lucy captain, Betelhem Mentelo, will be central in driving her team’s momentum. With creative support from Melat Alimuz and the pace of Mahlet Mitiku, Ethiopia will hope to catch Kenya on the counter and exploit any defensive lapses.

The Kenyan squad, however, are equally determined to continue their journey in the qualifiers. Jackline Juma’s charges know that avoiding defensive errors while capitalizing on home advantage could be the difference between elimination and progression.

The stakes are high, as the winner of this tie will advance to the third round of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup. With everything still to play for, fans can expect a fiercely contested encounter between two ambitious sides dreaming of a place on the world stage.

Abeba Ajebo, Hirut Tesfaye, Tigist Adane, Senayit Shego, Meseret Mamo, Zufan Defersha, Melat Alimuz, Betelhem Mentelo [C], Dagmawit Solomon, Emush Daniel, Mahlet Mitiku

Substitutes:  Abebeyaehu Tassew, Betelhem Gizachew, Milien Gayem, Birhan Haileslassie, Tarik Petros, Fikraddis Gezahegn, Selamawit Gossaye