←Back to Blog
WAFCON 2026: Harambee Starlets Handed Tough Test in Group A

WAFCON 2026: Harambee Starlets Handed Tough Test in Group A

Mattie Osborne

The Harambee Starlets have been handed a baptism of fire for their long-awaited return to the continental stage, having been drawn in Group A of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In the official draw conducted on Thursday in Rabat, Kenya was pitted against the tournament hosts Morocco, West African powerhouses Senegal, and North African giants Algeria.

A Special Return to the Top

The 2026 edition marks a massive milestone for Kenyan women’s football. It has been exactly ten years since the Starlets made their debut at the 2016 finals in Cameroon. After a decade of near-misses, the team is back where they belong.

Head Coach Beldine Odemba remains undaunted by the prospect of facing the hosts in the opener. Speaking after the draw, Odemba emphasized that to be the best, you have to beat the best.

"We are growing and looking forward to becoming a strong footballing nation in women’s football. If we do not play and experience the best, we can never be the best. We are happy and excited for the tournament," Odemba remarked.

The Road to Rabat

Kenya booked their ticket to Morocco in style, dismantling The Gambia with a dominant 4-1 aggregate score during the qualifiers. Fans will remember the crucial goals from talisman Mwanalima "Dogo" Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and Shirleen Opisa that secured the team's spot. Now, that same attacking prowess will need to be at its peak to navigate a tricky Group A.

Mark Your Calendars: Starlets' Fixtures

All eyes will be on the Moulay El Hassan Stadium on opening day, as Kenya takes on the home crowd favorites, the Atlas Lionesses.

  • Matchday 1: Morocco vs. Kenya – March 17, 2026 (Moulay El Hassan Stadium)

  • Matchday 2: Senegal vs. Kenya – March 20, 2026 (Moulay El Hassan Stadium)

  • Matchday 3: Algeria vs. Kenya – March 23, 2026 (Al Madina Stadium)

The Full Tournament Picture

While Kenya battles it out in the North against the hosts, the rest of the continent will be watching the drama unfold in the other pools.

Group B features a heavily contested lineup with South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and our East African neighbors, Tanzania.

Group C is shaping up to be a clash of titans, featuring the perennial champions Nigeria, alongside Malawi, Egypt, and Copper Queens of Zambia.

Group D completes the roster with Cape Verde, Mali, Cameroon, and Ghana facing off.

World Cup Dreams

Beyond the continental glory, this tournament carries extra weight. The 2026 WAFCON serves as the primary qualification pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A strong performance in the group stages could see the Starlets dreaming of a maiden World Cup appearance.

The tournament kicks off on March 17 and runs through to the final on April 3, 2026.