Harambee Starlets squad arrive in Morocco/ HARAMBEE STARLETS
A two-week high-intensity training camp in France has boosted Harambee Starlets' belief that they can make a strong impression at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco.
The team landed in the North African nation on Thursday, marking the beginning of Kenya's long-awaited return to the
continental showpiece.
Forward Violet Nanjala said the camp transformed the team's mentality and preparedness, leaving the players eager to test themselves against Africa's top sides.
"We have prepared well and everyone understands what is expected of us. The camp has brought us together as a team and we are ready to fight for Kenya. We know the teams in our group are strong, but we believe we can compete," said Nanjala.
Her sentiments were echoed by head coach Beldine Odemba, who said the players had embraced the demanding training programme and were ready for the challenge ahead.
"We have worked hard in training and the players have responded well. We know we are coming up against the best teams in Africa, but we are ready to compete. Every match will be like a final because we want to go as far as possible in this tournament," said Odemba.
The Starlets used the France camp to fine-tune their tactical approach, improve fitness and strengthen team chemistry.
Kenya return to Wafcon for the first time since 2016 after overcoming Tunisia and The Gambia in the qualifiers, marking only the country's second appearance at the tournament.
Drawn in Group A, the Starlets will begin their campaign against hosts Morocco on July 26 before facing Senegal on July 30 and Algeria on August 3.
The top two teams in the group will progress to the quarter-finals, with Kenya targeting a historic first knockout-stage appearance.
Beyond the race for the continental title, the stakes are even higher, with the four semi-finalists earning qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women's World Cup in Brazil.
The finalists will also book places at the 2027 Women's Olympic Football Tournament qualifiers, making a deep run in Morocco a gateway to two of the biggest stages in international women's football.
