Kenya’s return to the Women’s African Cup of Nations has been met with optimism and steely resolve after the final draw in Rabat. With the Harambee Starlets slotted into a daunting Group A, Football Kenya Federation leaders and the national coach vowed that the team will arrive in Morocco ready to compete, dazzle, and make the nation proud.
Confident reactions from coach and federation
Beldine Odemba, the Starlets’ head coach, described the draw as an honour and a call to arms. She promised that Kenya will give everything on the pitch as the East Africans make only their second appearance at WAFCON. “Football is made of such duels, and as a team, we will give our best in this tournament,” she said, capturing the blend of humility and hunger that now courses through the squad.
Hussein Mohammed, president of the Football Kenya Federation, celebrated the milestone and underlined the federation’s full backing. “We qualified for WAFCON. The draw is done. The lines are drawn. We are preparing the girls with everything we’ve got,” he declared, signaling a united front behind the players as preparations ramp up.
A stern test in Group A
The Confederation of African Football’s draw placed the Starlets in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, and continental heavyweights Senegal and Algeria. The grouping promises high-stakes encounters from the outset and a baptism of fire for Kenya as they seek to translate qualification momentum into results on the big stage.
Government backing and national pride
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi expressed unshakable faith in the team’s ability to shine. He framed WAFCON as more than a tournament — a stage for the Starlets to “dazzle, awe and sparkle” with the trademark flair of Kenyan football. Mwangi insisted that Kenya had earned its place through a remarkable qualifying run and must now prove its mettle when the whistle blows in March.
Delegation and fixtures
A strong Kenyan delegation attended the draw in Rabat, including Deputy President MacDonald Mariga, Local Organising Committee chair Nicholas Musonye, Sports Department Secretary Administration Evans Achoki, and Sports Director Jaxon Indakwa, among others. The Starlets will open their campaign against hosts Morocco at Moulay Al Hassan Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, face Senegal three days later, and round off the group stage against Algeria on Monday, March 23, 2026.
Eyes on March
With dates set from March 17 to April 3, 2026, the countdown is on. Backed by federation resources, government encouragement, and a nation eager for a show, the Harambee Starlets head to Morocco with confidence and a clear message: Kenya is ready to compete, to surprise, and to shine on Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.
