WAFCON 2026‎: Harambee Starlets target historic semi-final berth

Harambee Starlets Target Historic Semi-Final Berth at WAFCON 2026

As the Harambee Starlets prepare for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, head coach Beldine Odemba has set an ambitious target: a semi-final finish. Achieving this milestone would secure Kenya’s first-ever qualification for the senior FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is set to take place in Brazil in 2027.

The tournament, which runs from July 26 to August 16, marks Kenya’s second appearance at the continental competition, following their debut in 2016. Odemba, who served as an assistant coach during that inaugural campaign, is now the first female coach to lead the national team to a WAFCON tournament. Her leadership during the qualification process—notably a 4-1 aggregate victory over Gambia—earned her the SJAK Coach of the Month award for October 2025.

Tournament Preparations and Squad Selection

To prepare for the expanded 16-team tournament, the team scheduled a final training camp in Miramas, France, beginning July 15. The technical bench aims to use this period to fine-tune the squad, which Odemba describes as a blend of experienced internationals and rising talent. The 24-player squad features key figures such as Annedy Kundu, Ruth Ingosi, Mwanalima Adam, Tereza Engesha, Violet Nanjala, and Valerie Nekesa.

The selection process included the integration of players promoted from youth ranks, such as Fasila Adhiambo and Marion Serenge. However, the final roster faced public debate regarding the exclusion of forward Jentrix Shikangwa. Odemba clarified that the decision followed medical reports from the player’s former club, Simba Queens, and subsequent administrative friction that prevented her inclusion.

Financial Challenges and Team Welfare

Despite the momentum of qualification, the team’s preparations have been marred by administrative concerns. Players recently gathered at the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Goal Project offices to protest against unpaid allowances for the final two qualification matches. Coach Odemba has publicly appealed to the national leadership and the Ministry of Sports, calling for financial parity with the men’s national team, the Harambee Stars, who recently received state-backed incentives.

Addressing the team’s morale, Odemba emphasized the need for official support. “We are going to the top tournament on the continent, and the girls have not received their allowances for the past two matches. They need something to motivate them,” she stated. This follows prior high-level acknowledgment, including a commitment from President Dr. William Samoei Ruto to provide a reward of KES 1 million to each player for their qualification success.

Group A: A Daunting Path to Qualification

Kenya faces a significant challenge in Group A, which includes hosts Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria. Odemba acknowledges the difficulty of the draw but maintains that the team is focused on competing against the best to earn their place on the world stage.

Kenya’s Group A Fixtures

Reflecting on previous tournament experiences, Odemba noted that limited preparation often hindered the team in the past. By initiating an early training camp and maintaining a rigorous focus, the technical bench hopes to avoid an early exit and build the confidence necessary to navigate the group stage successfully.

The Road to Brazil 2027

The 2026 WAFCON serves as the primary qualification route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. With four spots available for African nations, reaching the semi-finals is the minimum requirement for Kenya to make its global debut. For Odemba, the objective is clear: the team is not traveling to Morocco to participate, but to compete. As the Starlets prepare for their opener against the hosts, they carry the hopes of a nation eager to see the women’s team cement its presence in the international football hierarchy.

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