Guided by head coach Beldine Odemba and led on the pitch by captain Mwanahalima Adam Jereko, the Harambee Starlets will look to build on an impressive qualifying campaign as they t
The report indicates that ten years after their only previous appearance, Kenya return to the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 determined to make their mark.
It further notes that guided by head coach Beldine Odemba and led on the pitch by captain Mwanahalima Adam Jereko, the Harambee Starlets will look to build on an impressive qualifying campaign as they take on some of Africa’s leading sides in Group A.
Kenya secured qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after an impressive campaign that culminated in victory over The Gambia in the final qualifying round.
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. They 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 result sealed Kenya’s return to the continental finals for the first time since 2016.
The draw has handed Kenya a demanding assignment in Group A, where they will face hosts Morocco, Algeria and Senegal.
Beldine Odemba has overseen Kenya’s return to the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s AFCON after rebuilding confidence within the national team and guiding the Harambee Starlets back to continental competition.
Since taking charge, she has introduced a disciplined tactical approach built around defensive organisation, teamwork and quick transitions. Those qualities were evident throughout Kenya’s qualification campaign, particularly in the team’s composed response after falling behind against The Gambia in the first leg.
The TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 represents a significant milestone for both Odemba and Kenyan women’s football as she becomes one of the few local female coaches to lead a national team at the tournament.
Captain Mwanahalima Adam Jereko will be central to Kenya’s hopes in Morocco.
The experienced forward scored the decisive goal in the second leg against The Gambia to secure qualification and remains one of the country’s most influential players.
Known for her pace, creativity and ability to produce decisive moments, Jereko combines leadership with attacking quality. While Kenya will also look to emerging talents such as Fasila Adhiambo, Shalyn Opisa and Martha Emedot, much of the team’s attacking responsibility will rest on their captain.
Kenya will be making only their second appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
