WAFCON 2026: Why Harambee Starlets Are Ditching Rest for New Ambitious Goal

Often when a team breaks a long-standing barrier the initial instinct is to celebrate and rest on their laurels. 

Kenya's Harambee Starlets, however, see their qualification for the Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) for the first time in a decade not as an end point, but as the immediate start of a new, more intense chapter

The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has said the team will immediately embark on preparations for the 2026 tournament, signaling a new era of ambition for the squad.

The triumphant mood was palpable on Wednesday evening as business at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) came to a near-standstill. 

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The Starlets returned home from Senegal to a hero's welcome, complete with traditional dancers, following their decisive 1-0 victory over Gambia in the reverse fixture of the final qualifier on Tuesday night.

Kenya sealed their place in the main tournament with a convincing 4-1 aggregate score, having won the first leg 3-1 at Nyayo National Stadium. 

Gambia hosted the away match at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, as the West African nation does not have a stadium that meets Caf’s standards for international matches.

The delegation, led by FKF’s Deputy President, McDonald Mariga, was clear that the time for celebration is short. Speaking before the team even left Thies on Tuesday, Mariga emphasized the federation's new focus.

 “Team preparations will begin immediately. There is no time to waste,” Mariga was quoted by Nation Sport.

The tournament, scheduled to be held from March 17 to April 3 next year in Morocco, leaves a tight window for preparation. 

Upon their celebratory arrival, the players were ferried to Stadion Hotel at Kasarani. They were released on Thursday to join their respective clubs but are set to reconvene during the next international break between November 24 and December 2.

Mariga attributed the team's historic success to a fundamental shift in how women's football is managed in the country. 

“Our qualification for the tournament shows that women’s football in Kenya is growing rapidly, fuelled by government support, better organisation, exposure for the players, and more attention given to the game compared to previous years,” he observed.

The federation believes this newfound stability and support system are what propelled the Starlets past the qualification hurdle and what will be crucial for their campaign in Morocco. 

“We are more organised now than in previous years when our teams did not get exposure,” Mariga said.

This renewed organization has fostered a significant change in mindset. The goal is no longer just to qualify, but to challenge the continent's elite.

FKF Women Representative Kerubo Momanyi drove this point home, stating that Kenya's objectives for 2026 are far higher than just making an appearance. 

“Kenya will go to next year’s tournament as competitors and not merely as participants,” she said.

Momanyi stressed the need for a detailed strategy to achieve this ambition.

 “We need a comprehensive roadmap and strategic plan for the 2026 Wafcon. We have plans for team camp, technical preparedness, logistical organization, and we will work closely with the Sports ministry and FKF. Our ultimate goal is for Kenya to qualify for the Fifa World Cup,” she noted.

Head coach Beldine Odemba, who masterminded the successful campaign, lauded her players for their achievement but immediately pivoted to the work ahead.

“It’s a good feeling. This is an invaluable addition to my CV, but more importantly, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and prepare for the tougher challenges ahead,” Odemba said.

She reiterated that sustained support is non-negotiable for success. 

“I urge the government and FKF to support us with preparations. The difference has bee better preparation. With good preparation, we can perform well in Wafcon.”