WAFCON: Kenya coach Beldine Odemba eyes improved display

Kenya women national team coach Beldine Odemba has vowed to delivered an improved performance when Harambee Starlets takes to stage at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The 2026 edition will run from March 17th to April 3rd. Kenya will open their campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17. The Starlets will then face Senegal on March 20 before concluding the group stage against Algeria on March 23.

MD-1#HarambeeStarlets #WAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/WOP6FfSJWk

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) March 3, 2026

The 16th edition of the WAFCON will be held in the North African nation for the third consecutive tournament, becoming the first country to achieve this feat. Venues in Casablanca, Fez and Rabat will be used for the tournament.

Ahead of the tournament, Kenya have already pitched camp in Ivory Coast to continue preparations. On Monday, Starlets played against Benin losing 2-0, and will now face Ivory Coast in the second build up clash on March 4.

‘The goal is to build on 2016 performance’

“We are looking at the bigger picture,” said Odemba as quoted by Flashscore. “Preparation is everything. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”

Odemba added: “The goal is to build on our 2016 performance. With a mix of young talent and experience, we have a real chance to rewrite history.

“We have been at this stage before, and we know what we need to do. We have set the target of winning our matches, and we want to progress past the group stage.”

‘Everything is manageable in Morocco’

Speaking on behalf of the players, striker Mwanalima Adam echoed Odemba’s sentiments, insisting they have a good chance to make history in Morocco.

“We’re not just going to participate; we’re going to compete, and our target is to attain qualification for the World Cup. Our group is challenging, but everything is manageable,” said Adams.

“Football is unpredictable; there are no underdogs anymore. We’ve played Morocco and Algeria in friendlies and understand their style. They should be worried about us, too.”

Adam concluded: “I’ve been waiting for this tournament. I’ll give my all so I have no regrets; it’s my time to shine. A win will demonstrate our country’s football growth.”

During the 2016 edition held in Cameroon, Kenya were drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali. Kenya’s first match saw them lose 3-1 against the Black Queens, before they lost matchday two 3-1 against Mali.

Kenya squad to WAFCON;

Goalkeepers: Lilian Awuor, Annedy Kundu, Juliet Adhiambo.

Defenders: Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, Diana Ochol, Lorine Ilavonga, Elizabeth Muteshi.

Midfielders: Lydia Akoth, Vidah Akeyo, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Mwanalima Adam, Shaline Nambengele.

Forwards: Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Jentrix Shikangwa, Shaylene Opisa, Airin Madalina, Valerie Nekesa, and Eglay Mukhwana.