Harambee Starlets begin their hunt for a 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ticket today, February 21, 2025, with a crucial first-leg qualifier against Tunisia at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi.

The national women’s football team is eager to make amends after missing out on the last edition, but they face a tough test against the higher-ranked North Africans.

Coach Beldine Odemba’s charges will be banking on home support today at 3pm to secure a vital first-leg advantage before the return leg in Sousse next Wednesday.

The aggregate winner will face either Niger or Gambia in the second and final round of the qualification campaign.

The Beldine Odemba-led side had high hopes of qualifying for the delayed 2024 tournament after overcoming continental heavyweights Cameroon on post-match penalties at Nyayo Stadium.

A match-up against Botswana was seen by many as an easier pathway for the Kenyan queens.

“I can say that we were overconfident during our last qualification against Botswana. Beating a big team like Cameroon, I can say as a team, both the players and the technical bench, we were surely overconfident. We are now working on the mental aspect of the game and our general approach. We are calmer,” Coach Odemba noted when asked about making a difference in this campaign compared to their failed 2023 qualification process.

This afternoon, Starlets embark on another ‘tricky’ journey, seeking a grand return to Africa’s elite women’s football tournament for the first time since 2016.

Speaking during their final training session at the match venue yesterday, coach Odemba said the players are calm but upbeat ahead of today’s crucial encounter.

“The girls are well prepared to play against Tunisia, and we are taking one match at a time.

It is always important to collect maximum points at home and away, and it is vital for us to win this match at home because, most of the time, you may not know the conditions you will face when playing away.”

Harambee Starlets suffered a major blow following the revelation that dependable right-back Vivian Nasaka (Hakkarigucu, Turkey) will miss the two-legged tie due to injury.

“It’s a big blow for us since Vivian has not missed a single match, especially in the qualifiers over the last few years. She has always been there and is a crucial player. Yes, it’s a big miss for us, but we thank God that we have an equal replacement. Those who will be given the mandate are also up to the task,” Odemba remarked.

In Nasaka’s absence, Kibera Girls Soccer’s overlapping defender with scintillating crosses, Janet Mumo, could be deployed in that position.

Farul FC goalkeeper Lilian Awuor is likely to start between the sticks ahead of Police Bullet’s Annedy Kundu.

Skipper Dorcas Shikobe and Ruth Ingosi are expected to start, as well as Enez Mango.

Immediate former Kenya Under-17 World Cup captain Elizabeth Ochaka is also available for selection and could make her senior debut against Tunisia.

“In the first match, those who are ready will play, but for the rest, we have a few days before the second leg to assess them. Just expect to see players who are performing well in their respective leagues and are ready to feature in the matches ahead,” said Odemba.

Odemba is leading Harambee Starlets in the qualifiers for the second time and hopes luck will be on her side for the team’s success.

“Coaching is just like any other job; sometimes you feel pressured, and sometimes you don’t. We are ready for the game.”

Starlets are unbeaten in their last two home matches, winning 1-0 against Cameroon and drawing 1-1 against Botswana. Overall, both Junior Starlets and the senior women’s team have gone four home matches without tasting defeat.

Ulinzi Sports Complex could become a ‘slaughterhouse’ for visiting teams, as proven by Kenya U-17, who thrashed Ethiopia 3-0 and Burundi 2-0 at the same venue during their historic Fifa Women’s U-17 World Cup qualification last year.

Before today’s match, Kenya faced Morocco in an international friendly last December in Salè, drawing 2-2 in the first game before winning the second 5-0.

Coach Odemba has thanked local fans for their unwavering support and made another rallying call ahead of today’s crucial assignment.

“We keep calling on our fans because we count on them, and the good thing is that when we play at home, they are always there. Once again, we urge them to come to Ulinzi Complex to support the girls because they always give us the needed push.”

The North African country poses a serious threat to Harambee Starlets in terms of their FIFA Women’s ranking.

The Kamel Saada-coached side is ranked 78th in the world, while Kenya sits at position 149.

Tunisia is seeking their fourth Wafcon appearance, having previously featured in the prestigious tournament in 2008, 2022, and 2024.

To qualify for this year’s tournament, the Eagles of Carthage thrashed Niger 12-1 in the first round of the qualifiers and wrapped up the job in the second round by defeating Congo 6-3.