Odemba tips Harambee Starlets to break WAFCON knockouts duck

Kenya women’s national football team, the Harambee Starlets, are ramping up their intensity as the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco draws closer.

While the squad is brimming with young talent and veteran leadership, the road to the opening match on March 17 has been marked by significant logistical obstacles.

Head coach Beldine Odemba remains undeterred by these shifts, even after the team was forced to pivot to away fixtures when home friendlies failed to materialize.

“We had planned to have a match against South Africa but they will be participating in COSAFA making it impossible for them to come here but we still appreciate the opportunity we’ve gotten, the goal is to improve upon the 2016 debut performance where the team exited the tournament in the group stage.”

Veteran defender Dorcas Shikobe has expressed immense confidence in the roster, noting that the newest generation of players is ready to step up immediately.

“The young players have continued to learn from veteran players, and despite them being young, I’ve also learnt from them, and I’m confident that they will do their best.”

The Starlets face a daunting path in Group A, where they are scheduled to battle tournament hosts Morocco alongside Algeria and Senegal.

However, the preparation is being overshadowed by concerns off the pitch regarding the level of official backing the team is receiving.

Star forward Mwanahalima "Dogo" Adam voiced a sobering plea for more visible government support to motivate the players before they depart for North Africa.

“We have not seen any government official showing up or giving up support, and it doesn’t necessarily have to be financial support; showing up and encouraging us is enough for a start.”

“This is a very big tournament, and the president should show up for the girl child the same way he did for the boy child during the CHAN tournament,” she added.

With the tournament kick-off just weeks away, the Starlets are now balancing tactical drills with a public call for the recognition their hard work deserves.