Odemba calls for proper WAFCON preps after sealing qualification

After qualifying for the 2026 African Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Harambee Starlets head coach Bedine Odemba has called on the Kenya Football Federation (FKF), in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports, to give them good preparations ahead of the continental showpiece slated for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, the last time being 2016 in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The Starlets qualified for WAFCON following a 1-0 win against Gambia in the second leg of the third round played Tuesday evening at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal. Their win in Senegal capped a 4-1 aggregate scalp after their 3-1 victory in Nairobi last Friday.

After a seesaw encounter in the opening half, Mwanahalima Adam Jereko's 59th-minute goal was enough to send Morocco through.

“It’s not about me; it’s about the country, which has qualified after nine good years. Odemba didn’t qualify, but Kenya did, and I’m sure the country is happy, as I am, and this is for my country and football fans back at home. I love the unity in the team and great spirits.”

“It has been nine years, so we kept reminding ourselves that it has been nine years. How long can we wait! The girls were spirited together with the technical bench and as a team, and we thank God for the achievement.”

Odemba feels that if the government and the Federation keep supporting them, they will do wonders in the WAFCON tournament.

“What is next to ensure we prepare well. I truly thank the president of the Republic of Kenya for the motivation, which worked wonders. I also want to thank the Federation and the Ministry of Sports for allowing us to have good preparations before going to WAFCON because we don’t want to go as participants, but we want to go and participate.”

“It has been an arduous journey, but we thank God for enabling us to qualify and my teammates for the good fight. I also thank our fans for being there with us and urge them to continue to be with us throughout WAFCON. We will do wonders even if we qualify for the World Cup.

Their journey to Morocco in 2026 was one of resilience and belief. Before dispatching Gambia, the Starlets edged out a spirited Tunisian side in the previous round, earning a vital 1–0 away win after a draw in Nairobi, a feat highlighted by goalkeeper Lilian Awuor’s heroics, saving two penalties to keep Kenya’s dream alive.