Harambee Starlets land tough pool in WAFCON draw
FILE: Harambee Starlets bench led by Beldine Odemba (C), and her assistants Jackline Akoth Juma sing National anthemn moments to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) First leg Qualifier against Tunisia at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on February 21, 2025. Photo/Sportpicha
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According to a draw conducted at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat on Thursday afternoon, Harambee Starlets landed hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.
The 2026 edition marks a historic moment for the competition, featuring an expanded 16-team field for the first time, up from the previous 12.
The Beldine Odemba-coached Harambee Starlets made a return to the continental showpiece after defeating The Gambia with a 4-1 aggregate scoreline, booking a slot in the tournament for the first time since their maiden appearance in 2016.
Defending champions Nigeria face a reunion with Zambia in Group ‘C’ that also has Egypt and debutants Malawi.
The Super Falcons thrashed Zambia 5-0 on the way to beating Morocco 2-1 in the final in Rabat and claiming a record-extending tenth Wafcon title in July last year.
South Africa, winners in 2022, will face Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso and Tanzania in Group B while Ghana were handed games with Cameroon, Mali and debutants Cape Verde in group D.
The four semi-finalists at the tournament will qualify for the 2027 Women's World Cup, with the losing quarter-finalists playing off for two spots at an inter-confederation qualifier.
Wafcon 2026 group draw
Group A: Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Senegal, Kenya.
Group B: South Africa, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Tanzania.
Group C: Nigeria (holders), Zambia, Egypt, Malawi.
Group D: Ghana, Cameroon, Mali, Cape Verde.
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