Speaking separately after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducted the draw in Rabat on Thursday, both officials expressed optimism about the team’s preparedness and resolve as Kenya gears up for its second appearance at the continental women’s football showpiece.
Coach Odemba, who represented Kenya during the draw ceremony, described the occasion as a proud moment for the country and reiterated the technical bench’s commitment to delivering a competitive performance despite the challenge posed by the group opponents.
“It is such an honour to be part of the WAFCON draw in Morocco,” Odemba said. “Football is built on competition and big duels, and as a team, we are ready to give our very best in this tournament.”
The draw placed Harambee Starlets in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria—three teams widely regarded as among the continent’s strongest.
Morocco, in particular, have enjoyed rapid growth in women’s football in recent years, while Senegal and Algeria bring physicality and tactical discipline to the competition.
FKF president Hussein Mohammed welcomed the outcome of the draw, describing it as a defining moment in Kenya’s women’s football journey.
FKF president Hussein Mohammed welcomed the outcome of the draw, describing it as a defining moment in Kenya’s women’s football journey.
He assured the national team of full institutional backing as preparations intensify ahead of the March kickoff.
“We have qualified for WAFCON, the draw has been conducted, and the lines are now clearly drawn,” Mohammed said.
“We have qualified for WAFCON, the draw has been conducted, and the lines are now clearly drawn,” Mohammed said.
“As a federation, we are committed to preparing the girls with everything we have to ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level.”
Mohammed added that Kenya’s qualification was not accidental, noting that the Starlets had earned their place among Africa’s elite through determination, discipline and sustained investment in the women’s game.
The 2026 WAFCON tournament will run from March 17 to April 3, with Kenya scheduled to play the opening match of the competition against hosts Morocco at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on March 17.
Mohammed added that Kenya’s qualification was not accidental, noting that the Starlets had earned their place among Africa’s elite through determination, discipline and sustained investment in the women’s game.
The 2026 WAFCON tournament will run from March 17 to April 3, with Kenya scheduled to play the opening match of the competition against hosts Morocco at the Moulay Hassan Stadium on March 17.
The Starlets will then face Senegal three days later before concluding their group stage campaign against Algeria on March 23.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi also weighed in on the draw, expressing confidence that the national team will rise to the occasion and make a positive impression on the continental stage.
Mwangi noted that Kenya’s qualification journey demonstrated the team’s growth and resilience, insisting that the Starlets now have an opportunity to showcase their talent and ambition on a bigger platform.
“This tournament is more than just a competition,” Mwangi said. “It is a stage for our players to dazzle, awe and sparkle as they display their football skills in the true Kenyan spirit. The Starlets have earned their place and must now prove they belong among Africa’s best.”
Kenya’s delegation in Rabat included several senior officials, among them FKF deputy president MacDonald Mariga, members of the Local Organising Committee led by chairperson Nicholas Musonye, Sports Department Secretary for Administration Evans Achoki and Sports Director Jaxon Indakwa.
The Starlets’ return to WAFCON is being viewed as a milestone for women’s football in Kenya, particularly following recent efforts to professionalise the women’s game and strengthen grassroots development structures.
With the tournament now just weeks away, attention will shift to final preparations, player conditioning and friendly matches as Kenya aims to navigate a tough group and leave a lasting mark in Morocco.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi also weighed in on the draw, expressing confidence that the national team will rise to the occasion and make a positive impression on the continental stage.
Mwangi noted that Kenya’s qualification journey demonstrated the team’s growth and resilience, insisting that the Starlets now have an opportunity to showcase their talent and ambition on a bigger platform.
“This tournament is more than just a competition,” Mwangi said. “It is a stage for our players to dazzle, awe and sparkle as they display their football skills in the true Kenyan spirit. The Starlets have earned their place and must now prove they belong among Africa’s best.”
Kenya’s delegation in Rabat included several senior officials, among them FKF deputy president MacDonald Mariga, members of the Local Organising Committee led by chairperson Nicholas Musonye, Sports Department Secretary for Administration Evans Achoki and Sports Director Jaxon Indakwa.
The Starlets’ return to WAFCON is being viewed as a milestone for women’s football in Kenya, particularly following recent efforts to professionalise the women’s game and strengthen grassroots development structures.
With the tournament now just weeks away, attention will shift to final preparations, player conditioning and friendly matches as Kenya aims to navigate a tough group and leave a lasting mark in Morocco.
0 Comments