2026 WAFCON: FKF president and Starlets coach affirm Kenya’s preparedness after finals draw
By Luke Oluoch, January 16, 2026Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed and Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba have expressed the team’s readiness to participate in the upcoming 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) championship, set to kick off in March 2026 in Morocco.
In separate statements on Thursday after the conclusion of the competition’s final draw, Odemba stated that Kenya will give their best in the championship as the East Africans make only their second return to the games.
“Such an honour to have been part of the draw in Morocco. Football is made of such duels, and as a team, we will give our best in this tournament,” she reacted to the draw
On his part, Mohammed revelled in the occasion as he affirmed the federation’s solidarity with the girl’s national team.
“We qualified for WAFCON. The draw is done. The lines are drawn. We are preparing the girls with everything we’ve got,” he said.
The draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in Rabat placed the Harambee Starlets in a highly competitive Group A alongside other football giants, Morocco, Senegal, and Algeria.
The tournament will run from March 17, 2026, to April 3, 2026.
On his part, Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi exuded optimism that the Starlets will seize their chance and impress as they return to the women’s continental games.
Deserving its place
Mwangi stated that after a remarkable journey to qualify among the best in the tournament, Kenya had proved it deserved its place and must now show its capabilities when the games kick off in March.
“This tournament is more than a competition; it is a platform to dazzle, awe and sparkle as the starlets showcase their exemplary football skills in the true Kenyan style,” the PS stated.
“As always, the Starlets are ready to shine!”
Draw
The other delegation of Kenyan officials in Rabat were Deputy President MacDonald Mariga, Local Organising Committee (LOC) team led by chair Nicholas Musonye, Sports Department Secretary Administration Evans Achoki, and Sports Director Jaxon Indakwa among others.
Kenya will play the opening match agaist the hosts at the Moulat Al Hassan Stadium on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
The ladies will then face Senegal three days later before they conclude their group encounter against Algeria on Monday, March 23, 2026.