Kundu eyes WAFCON stage to inspire Starlets and boost career prospects

Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Annedy Kundu/ HANDOUT

 Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Annedy Kundu believes the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco will provide the perfect platform for Kenya’s players to showcase their talent and attract interest from clubs abroad.

The tournament will run from July 26 to August 16, with Kenya stepping up preparations after arriving in France for a high-performance training camp.

Kundu, who has established herself as one of the national team’s key players, said the Starlets are determined to make an impact on their return to Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament for the first time in a decade.

“It is a big opportunity for us as players to showcase our talent. WAFCON can change careers because many people will be watching,” said Kundu.

The Starlets arrived in France on Wednesday for the final phase of preparations, where head coach Beldine Odemba will use the camp to fine-tune tactics, assess player combinations and help the squad adapt to conditions similar to those expected in Morocco.

The team travelled after resolving a brief standoff over outstanding allowances, with players having raised concerns over unpaid dues before departure.

The France camp forms a crucial part of Kenya’s build-up to their Group A campaign, where they will face hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.

Kenya secured qualification after defeating The Gambia 4-1 on aggregate in the final qualifying round, earning a return to WAFCON for the first time since making their tournament debut in 2016.

Odemba’s side has been preparing through international friendlies and residential training camps as they seek to build a squad capable of competing with Africa’s leading women’s football nations. Kundu believes the team is ready for the challenge.

“We know the level will be high, but we have prepared well, and we want to represent the country with pride,” she said.

The expanded 16-team tournament presents Kenya with an opportunity to reach the knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history.