Harambee Starlets qualified for the 2026 WAFCON after defeating Gambia 4-1 on aggregate, marking their second-ever continental appearance since 2016.
The Starlets recorded a 3-1 win in the first leg before completing the job with a 1-0 victory in the return fixture, advancing with a 4-1 aggregate score.
The Harambee Starlets began by edging Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate before producing one of the standout performances of the qualifiers against the Gambia.
After conceding an early goal in the first leg at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya responded impressively to record a 3-1 victory.
Kenya completed the job in the return leg, played in Senegal, where captain Mwanahalima Adam Jereko scored the only goal of the match to secure a 1-0 win and a 4-1 aggregate triumph.
The draw handed Kenya a demanding assignment in Group A, where they will face hosts Morocco, Algeria and Senegal.
When are Kenya in action?
Harambee Starlets will begin their WAFCON 2026 campaign against hosts Morocco on July 26th at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 11.00 pm EAT.
Kenya will then face Senegal on July 30th at the Olympic Stadium, with the match set to kick off at 8.00 pm EAT.
The team's final Group A fixture will be against Algeria on August 3rd at the Olympic Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 11.00 pm EAT.
Two cities will be used for the competition: Rabat and Casablanca. The extended version will be the biggest edition in the history of the competition, with sixteen (16) nations set to take part for the first time.
The winners of the quarter-finals will advance, while the teams eliminated at that stage will remain in contention for places in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 play-offs.
Kenya’s last participation in the WAFCON was in 2016, which was also their debut appearance in the tournament. The Harambee Starlets exited in the group stage after facing Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria.
How to watch Kenya matches
The WAFCON tournament will officially be broadcast regionally by SABC (South Africa), Azam TV (East Africa), KBC Channel 1 (Kenya), and ZNBC.
Matches will be available live and on-demand on beIN SPORTS CONNECT and occasionally the beIN SPORTS XTRA free tier.
Kenya coach speaks on opener
Kenya pitched camp in marking the final phase of the team’s preparations ahead of WAFCON 2026, providing the technical bench with an opportunity to fine-tune the squad before the tournament begins.
Ahead of their departure, Harambee Starlets honoured an invitation to State House, where they met President Dr. William Samoei Ruto, who officially flagged off the team ahead of the tournament.
The President wished the squad well as they embarked on their WAFCON campaign and encouraged them to represent the country with pride.
Kenya coach Beldine Odemba has set the target of reaching the knockout stages, adding they will approach every game with the focus on achieving their target.
“We have had a good period of preparation, and the players understand the task ahead,” said Odemba.
“WAFCON is a highly competitive tournament, but it also presents an opportunity to compete for a place at the FIFA Women's World Cup.
“Our target is to reach the semi-finals, and we will approach every match with the belief that we can achieve our objective.”
The competition will kick off on Sunday, July 26th, at the Rabat Olympic Stadium, where Algeria will face Senegal in the opening match.
Hosts Morocco will begin their campaign later that evening against Kenya at 21:00 CET at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Some of the key pool-stage matches include the Group C meeting between Nigeria and Zambia on August 1st, while Ghana and Cameroon will face each other in a major Group D fixture on 2 August.
Kenya squad to WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo.
Defenders: Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Mary Nthambi.
Midfielders: Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina, Shaline Nambengele.
Forwards: Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa.
