WAFCON 2026: Doreen Nabwire backs Harambee Starlets to bounce back after Morocco setback

Former Harambee Starlets captain Doreen Nabwire believes Kenya still has what it takes to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite suffering a crushing defeat in their opening match.

The East Africans began their Group A campaign with a heavy 4-0 loss to tournament hosts Morocco in Salé, but Nabwire is convinced the setback should not define their tournament.

Speaking to Kenyan journalists after the defeat, the former skipper urged the players to quickly put the result behind them and shift their attention to crucial group fixtures against Senegal and Algeria.

According to the former striker, Kenya remains capable of winning both matches and securing a place in the knockout rounds.

“Morocco are one of Africa’s strongest teams because they have invested heavily in women’s football and are targeting the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Kenya also deserves to be here after qualifying on merit. The focus should now shift to Senegal and Algeria because we still have a chance to progress.”

Nabwire stressed that the opening defeat should not overshadow the effort that earned the Harambee Starlets qualification for Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.

Investment key to closing the gap

Now serving as a FIFA Women’s Football Development expert, Nabwire believes Kenya must also look beyond immediate results and focus on building a stronger foundation for the women’s game.

She argued that sustained success on the international stage depends not only on talented players but also on investment in facilities, coaching and player welfare.

“If we expect results, then everything around the players must also work. Good facilities, proper coaching and players’ welfare all contribute to better performances.”

Nabwire pointed to Morocco’s rise as evidence of what long-term planning and investment can achieve, saying the North Africans have established themselves among the continent’s elite by prioritising women’s football development.

Her message comes as Kenya looks to recover from a disappointing start and keep alive hopes of extending its stay in Morocco.

Experience fuels belief in Starlets’ response

Drawing on 15 years with the Harambee Starlets, Nabwire expressed confidence that the current squad has the mentality to recover from adversity and produce a positive response in their remaining Group A fixtures.

She also called on Kenyan supporters to stand firmly behind the team, insisting that one poor result should not diminish belief in the players.

For Nabwire, setbacks are an inevitable part of football and often provide the lessons needed for future success.

The former forward, who made history in 2009 as the first Kenyan woman to sign for a professional club in Europe after joining Werder Bremen, urged the Starlets to learn from their mistakes, show resilience and approach the matches against Senegal and Algeria with renewed determination.

With two group games still to play, Kenya’s qualification hopes remain in their own hands.