The road to continental glory just got steeper for Kenya. The Harambee Starlets have been handed a daunting assignment in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), drawn in Group A alongside tournament hosts Morocco, West African powerhouse Senegal, and the gritty Algerians.

The draw, conducted in Rabat, elicited gasps from the Kenyan delegation. Playing the host nation in the opening stages is historically a curse for visiting teams, given the intimidating home crowds. Morocco, finalists in the last edition, have invested heavily in women’s football and are the clear favorites to top the group.

"We Are Not Tourists"

Despite the intimidating lineup, Starlets’ camp remains upbeat. "To be the best, you must beat the best," remarked a Football Kenya Federation (FKF) official. The Starlets, returning to the continental stage after a hiatus caused by a FIFA ban, are eager to prove they belong among the elite.

• The Opponents:
  • Morocco: Technical, fast, and backed by a deafening home crowd.
  • Senegal: Physical and disciplined, they have one of the strongest defenses in the tournament.
  • Algeria: A tactical side that plays a rigid North African style of football.
• The Strategy: Coach Beldine Odemba will need to rely on the speed of her forwards and counter-attacking precision. A result against Senegal or Algeria is non-negotiable if Kenya hopes to advance as one of the best third-placed teams or runners-up.

Beyond the Pitch

This tournament is about more than just a trophy; it is a World Cup qualifier. The top four teams will book automatic tickets to the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. For the Starlets, this is the chance of a lifetime to write history. The "Group of Death" label is earned, but in football, giants are made by slaying giants.