Starlets coach optimistic of Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification
The Starlets’ focus now shifts fully to the WAFCON final qualifying round against Gambia.
National women's football team Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba is confident that the Kenyan women can make it to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and has encouraged Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to continue with it's friendly match programme.
Starlets completed their two international friendly matches against Ivory Coast’s Women’s National Team in Abidjan as part of their ongoing preparations for the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
Although the matches ended in 2-0 defeats, the head coach Odemba has underlined the value of such high-profile friendlies in testing the squad, building cohesion, and identifying key areas of improvement ahead of their final round qualifier against Gambia scheduled for October.
"These friendlies were important for us to gauge our current level, build consistency in the squad, and identify what we need to improve. Playing against strong sides like Ivory Coast helps us understand how best to prepare for what lies ahead," she said.
Coach Odemba retained majority of the squad that featured in the successful first round against Tunisia which ended 1-0 on aggregate with a few key additions including Vivian Nasaka, Ann Norah, Faith Mboya, and Lucy Kwekwe.
"We want to take advantage of every FIFA window and continue exposing our players to quality opposition. This is how we grow and prepare a team capable of competing at the highest level," she added.
The Starlets’ focus now shifts fully to the WAFCON final qualifying round against Gambia, with the matches set to be played in October.
Victory in that round would secure Kenya’s second-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, after their debut in 2016.
