Starlets face Morocco, Algeria, Senegal in WAFCON
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have been drawn into a daunting group for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where they will take on hosts Morocco, former champions Algeria and rising force Senegal. The draw was conducted on Wednesday ahead of the tournament set to be staged in Morocco next year.
The Starlets, returning to the continental stage after missing the previous edition, will open their campaign against the hosts, a side that reached the final in 2022. Head coach Beldine Odemba admitted the task is tough but welcomed the challenge, saying: “This is the level we want to compete at, and it will test our character.”
Morocco’s coach Reynald Pedros said home support could be decisive, while Algeria’s camp described the group as “balanced but unforgiving.” Football Kenya Federation officials believe the draw offers Kenya a chance to measure progress against Africa’s elite despite the uphill task.