Women’s AFCON 2026: Kenya embracing challenge against continental giants

Kenya head coach Beldine Odemba says the Harambee Starlets are ready to compete with Africa’s leading teams as they prepare to return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time in a decade.

The East African nation will make its long-awaited return to the continental tournament at the 2026 edition, where Kenya have been drawn into a challenging Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.

Despite the strength of their opponents, Odemba believes her side is well prepared for the task ahead and views the tournament as an opportunity to demonstrate Kenya’s progress on the continental stage.

Speaking to CAF, the coach acknowledged the difficulty of the group but insisted her players are approaching the competition with confidence.

“It’s certainly not an easy group. We’ve already played Morocco and Algeria, so we know their strengths and how to approach these matches. Senegal is the only team we haven’t played yet, but we expect a very difficult game.

These matches will test us, but they will also be an opportunity to show Africa that we are ready to compete at the highest level. As difficult as these matches will be for us, they won’t be easy for our opponents either.”

Kenya’s previous meetings with Morocco and Algeria have provided valuable experience, according to Odemba, while the prospect of facing Senegal presents a fresh challenge for her squad.

Rather than being discouraged by the demanding group, the coach believes competing against some of the continent’s strongest teams will help accelerate the team’s development.

The Harambee Starlets have not featured at the Women’s AFCON for 10 years, making their return one of the notable storylines heading into the tournament.

Odemba sees the competition as an important step in Kenya’s long-term ambitions, particularly with the goal of qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She believes that success on the global stage will only be possible if her team proves capable of competing against Africa’s elite nations.

“If our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, we have to be ready to face and beat the best teams. In a way, facing them right from the start can help us gain confidence. I’m absolutely not worried because I have complete faith in my players.”

The coach’s confidence reflects her belief in the progress made by her squad ahead of the tournament.

While acknowledging the scale of the challenge awaiting Kenya, she insists the players are embracing the opportunity rather than fearing it.

The Harambee Starlets will enter the competition determined to make a positive impression after their lengthy absence from the continental championship.

With matches against Morocco, Senegal and Algeria awaiting them in the group stage, Kenya know they face a demanding route.

However, Odemba remains convinced her team is prepared to compete, believing the tournament offers the perfect platform to show that Kenya is ready to challenge the continent’s best and continue pursuing its ambition of reaching a future Women’s World Cup.