Harambee Starlets are set to kick off their WAFCON journey - Photo Courtesy FKF Media.
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets will commence their journey in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers with an opening round clash against Tunisia.
This development was confirmed during the draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Thursday, December 12, 2024, in Cairo, Egypt, which set the stage for Africa’s top sides to contest for the 12 spots available in the continental showpiece.
The qualifiers will unfold in two rounds. The first round is scheduled for February 17–26, 2025, while the second round will take place from October 20–28, 2025. Should Kenya advance to the second round, they will face the winner of the match between Niger and Gambia, a critical step toward securing their ticket.
With their last WAFCON appearance dating back to 2016, the Harambee Starlets are eager to make their long-awaited return to the tournament. During the tournament in Cameroon, Kenya participated while ranked 132.
They were drawn in Group B alongside Nigeria, Ghana and Mali. Kenya kicked off their campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Ghana at Stade Municipal de Limbe, Limbe before suffering a 3-1 defeat against the Mali.
Their final group fixture saw them suffer a 4-0 defeat against the Super Falcons of Nigeria to exit the tournament. The six highest-ranked countries - Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon and Ivory Coast - have each received a bye to the second round.
The first qualifying round will take place in February 2025, with the second round in October next year. However, the dates of the tournament are yet to be announced by the African body.
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