Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have been handed a demanding test at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after being drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.

The official draw was conducted on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in Rabat, setting the stage for what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament featuring Africa’s top women’s national teams.

Group A pits the Starlets against the tournament hosts Morocco, who will enjoy home advantage, as well as two experienced North African and West African sides in Algeria and Senegal. It is widely viewed as one of the toughest pools of the competition.

Elsewhere, defending champions South Africa headline Group B alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Tanzania. Group C features nine-time champions Nigeria, joined by Malawi, Egypt and Zambia, while Group D brings together Cape Verde, Mali, Cameroon and Ghana.

Kenya booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after an impressive qualifying campaign against The Gambia. The Starlets claimed a 3-1 victory in the first leg before sealing qualification with a 1-0 win away, advancing 4-1 on aggregate. Key goals from Mwanalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo and Shirleen Opisa proved decisive in the return to Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.

The tournament will run from March 17 to April 3, 2026, and will also serve as part of the qualification pathway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, adding extra significance to every fixture.

Kenya will open their campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17 at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, before facing Senegal on March 20 at the same venue. The group stage concludes with a clash against Algeria on March 23 at Al Madina Stadium.

Head coach Beldine Odemba welcomed the challenge, insisting that facing strong opposition is vital for the team’s growth.

“If we want to become the best, we must compete against the best,” Odemba said. “We are excited and ready to test ourselves at this level.”

The 2026 tournament marks a symbolic return for the Harambee Starlets, who last featured at WAFCON in 2016, making this appearance a significant milestone for Kenyan women’s football.

2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) group line-up

Group A
Morocco
Senegal
Algeria
Kenya

Group B
South Africa
Côte d’Ivoire
Burkina Faso
Tanzania

Group C
Nigeria
Malawi
Egypt
Zambia

Group D
Cape Verde
Mali
Cameroon
Ghana