Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have conceded that their performance at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) highlighted the gap between them and the continent’s elite women’s football teams. The team exited the tournament after three group-stage losses, failing to score a goal or earn a point.
Finishing at the bottom of Group A, the Starlets lost 2-0 to Algeria in their final match, following defeats to hosts Morocco and Senegal. This outcome mirrored Kenya’s debut WAFCON campaign in 2016, where they also left at the group stage without any victories.
Key Lessons from Africa’s Leading Teams
Defender Shirleen Opisa, who has now appeared in two WAFCON tournaments, stressed that the competition exposed the qualities that have helped teams like Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal establish themselves as continental powerhouses. She observed that these teams not only demonstrate skill but also clear objectives and consistent commitment.
“They know exactly what they want to achieve and have maintained high standards over the years, which explains their continued success,” Opisa said. She expressed disappointment at Kenya’s inability to reach the semi-finals, a target set before the tournament, but vowed the experience would fuel future improvements.
Challenges Highlighted by Players and Coach
Midfielder Violet Nanjala pointed out that Kenya still trails behind the continent’s top sides in terms of standards and consistency. She noted that frequent changes in the squad have disrupted team cohesion compared to rivals like Algeria, whose players have long-standing partnerships.
Coach Beldine Odemba acknowledged that tactical execution and adapting to the pace of elite competition remain areas needing significant improvement. She emphasized that the tournament revealed critical lessons from preparation to in-game strategies.
Struggles in Front of Goal
One major weakness was the team’s inability to convert scoring opportunities. Forward Lorna Nyabuto took responsibility for the failure to capitalize on chances created during matches, underscoring the need for greater clinical finishing in future contests.
“We had several opportunities but couldn’t score. This experience is a platform to learn and improve as we aim to compete at higher levels,” Nyabuto stated.
Looking Ahead
Despite the disappointment of exiting at the group stage again, the Harambee Starlets remain optimistic that the lessons learned in Morocco will serve as a foundation for progress. The team is committed to working harder to close the gap with Africa’s women’s football powerhouses and elevate Kenya’s standing on the continental stage.
