With just approximately 58 days remaining until the commencement of the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), the Harambee Starlets, under the guidance of coach Beldine Odemba, face a formidable task. Drawn into Group A alongside African football powerhouses Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria, the Starlets, who are making their second Wafcon appearance, will need to exhibit their best form and maintain unwavering determination throughout the tournament.

Kenya previously made its continental debut in 2016 but subsequently failed to qualify for later editions. Under coach Odemba's expert tutelage, however, the team successfully secured their ticket to the 12th edition of the Wafcon, scheduled to take place from March 17 to April 3, by defeating Tunisia 1-0 and Gambia 4-1 on aggregate. A notable moment from their qualification journey was Mwanalima Adam's crucial goal against Gambia, celebrated by her teammates at Nyayo Stadium. Coach Odemba has expressed her ambition for the team, stating that they will be in Morocco not merely as participants, but as strong contenders for the coveted title. To achieve this objective against highly-ranked nations, she emphasizes the need for a well-oiled machine, relying heavily on robust preparations and sustained support. "We are hoping for better preparations and also hope that the government and federation will support us fully to prepare in time and to prepare well," Odemba remarked after a friendly match against Algeria.

The Harambee Starlets are currently the lowest-ranked side in Group A, standing at 133rd in the FIFA rankings, despite having moved up seven places. Their hosts, Morocco, are the top nation in the group, ranked 66th globally and fifth on the African continent. Algeria, against whom Kenya played two international friendlies last year (losing 1-2 and drawing 1-1), is ranked 73rd, while Senegal holds the 81st position in the world rankings. Odemba is expected to devise a meticulously structured game plan, focusing on instilling strong teamwork, tactical discipline, mental fortitude, and confidence among her players. All attention will be on the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) leadership and the government to ensure the Starlets receive adequate and timely preparations ahead of the prestigious tournament.

Beyond the Wafcon title, the Starlets, like their counterparts, are also aiming to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be staged in Brazil from June 24 to July 25. The semi-finalists of the Wafcon will earn direct tickets to the World Cup, while two quarter-finalists will have an opportunity to secure qualification via the FIFA Play-Off Tournament.

The 2026 Wafcon tournament itself has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams. Defending champions Nigeria are placed in Group C alongside perennial rivals Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi, the lowest-ranked side in the tournament. While Nigeria seeks to defend its title, Egypt aims to capitalize on the expanded format, having been among the four nations included due to higher rankings, alongside Cameroon, Ivory Coast, and Mali. Former champions South Africa lead Group B, which also includes Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania. Group D will witness a battle between Cameroon, Cape Verde, Mali, and Ghana.