Harambee Starlets are determined to turn past heartbreak into triumph as they kick off their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualification campaign against Tunisia this Friday at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

A year after their agonising exit at the hands of a ‘lowly’ Botswana, the team (bolstered by key foreign-based players) looks to make amends and secure a spot on the continental stage.

With home advantage on their side, coach Beldine Odemba’s charges are rallying behind Turkey-based forward Cynthia Musungu Shilwatso’s call to be ruthless in front of goal, knowing that a strong start in Nairobi could set the tone for the decisive return leg in Tunis.

The national women’s team had raised their qualification hopes after defeating continental heavyweights Cameroon on penalties in front of a massive home crowd at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

However, their dream of securing a second Wafcon appearance was shattered when they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Botswana, a side they were expected to beat.

Shilwatso, who scored the crucial goal against Cameroon at Nyayo to force the game into penalties after a 1-1 aggregate draw in regulation time, says it is time to correct the mistakes that denied them a place at the ‘high table’ of continental football.

“We picked vital lessons from that Botswana game last year. The key thing is that we didn’t utilize our goal-scoring chances and that really cost us in the qualification process. Now we have another opportunity to make it right, making good use of every chance to put the ball into the opponent’s net.

“This is another big chance for us, the last time we blew it away and therefore we have to work hard and smart in order to book our qualification ticket. There is no other way,” Shilwatso told People Sport.

Harambee Starlets will face a highly ranked Tunisia this Friday at Ulinzi Sports Complex, with kick-off set for 3pm local time.

The Besiktas playmaker is eager to lead Beldine Odemba’s charges to victory and stresses the importance of delivering a strong performance on home soil before completing the job next week in Tunis.

“We do not have any other option but to win our games especially our home game so as to ease our work for the away match. We want to go there (Tunisia) just to enjoy ourselves. I promise to work extra hard in training and during the game to ensure that we get the desired outcome and seal qualification in this campaign by scoring goals,” she added.

The former Vihiga Queens midfielder reported to camp on Monday, along with FC Farul’s left-back Enez Mango and goalkeeper Lillian Awuor.

By Monday evening, a total of 10 foreign-based players had joined the Starlets’ camp in Nairobi.

Other arrivals included Simba Queens duo Ruth Ingosi and Corazone Aquino, along with Wincate Kaari, Jentrix Shikangwa, and Lydia Akoth ‘Ozil,’ who is on loan at Yanga Princess from Kenya Police Bullets FC.

Egypt-based winger Janet Bundi Moraa linked up with the team at the weekend.

The squad received a major boost last evening with the arrival of midfielders Mwanahalima Jereko Adam and Violet Nanjala.

Meanwhile, dependable right-back Vivian Nasaka, who plays in Turkey, and forward Terry Engesha are scheduled to arrive in the country today in readiness for the crucial assignment on Friday.

In addition, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has released ticketing details for the first international fixture under the new leadership of president Hussein Mohammed and his deputy McDonald Mariga.

VIP tickets are on sale for Sh500 while terraces will cost Sh100. This is the first round of the 2026 Wafcon Qualifiers, with the aggregate winner set to face either Niger or Gambia in the second round, scheduled for October this year.