Harambee Starlets will begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a challenging encounter against hosts Morocco.
Group A clash will test Kenya’s readiness against a Moroccan side that has established itself as one of the continent’s strongest teams in recent years.
The match will be played at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 11:00 PM East African Time.
Starlets last played WAFCON in 2016, which was held in Cameroon, and were eliminated in the group stage
Harambee Starlets Face Tough Opening Test Against Hosts Morocco
Morocco, who are hosting WAFCON 2026, have emerged as a dominant force in African women’s football after reaching the final in the previous two editions of the tournament.
The North Africans will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd, while also carrying the confidence gained from recent continental performances.
Also Read: Former Harambee Starlets Star Lands Prestigious FIFA World Cup Appointment
Their growth has been supported by increased investment in women’s football, improved domestic structures and the presence of players competing at top levels.
Kenya last featured at WAFCON in 2016 after being drawn in a tough group alongside Ghana, Mali and Nigeria, and secured qualification for the 2026 finals after successfully navigating the qualifiers in 2025.
Coach Beldine Odemba’s side earned their place after overcoming Tunisia and Gambia during the qualification campaign.
In the 2026 tournament, Kenya was drawn to Group A and set to face Morocco, who are the hosts, Senegal, and Algeria
Harambee Starlets Squad and Preparations
The Starlets have been preparing for the tournament with the focus on building a competitive squad capable of handling high-pressure matches.
Ademba named her squad for the 2026 WAFCON featuring 29 players, with a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents.
| Position | Player |
| Goalkeeper | Annedy Kundu |
| Lilian Awuor | |
| Vivian Shiyonzo | |
| Lilian Adhiambo | |
| Defender | Leah Andiema |
| Elizabeth Ochaka | |
| Ruth Ingosi | |
| Vivian Nasaka | |
| Enez Mango | |
| Euphrasier Shilwatso | |
| Norah Ann | |
| Elizabeth Muteshi | |
| Mary Nthambi | |
| Midfielder | Mwanalima Adam |
| Martha Amunyolete | |
| Tereza Engesha | |
| Fasila Adhiambo | |
| Shaline Nambengele | |
| Lorna Nyarinda | |
| Mercy Airo | |
| Airin Madalina | |
| Forward | Shirleen Opisa |
| Eglay Mukhwana | |
| Elizabeth Mideva | |
| Marion Serenge | |
| Violet Nanjala | |
| Valerie Nekesa | |
| Catherine Khaemba | |
| Tumaini Waliaula |
The match is also an opportunity for several Kenyan players to showcase their ability on one of Africa’s biggest football platforms.
Kick-off Time, Venue and How to Watch Kenya vs Morocco
The Kenya versus Morocco WAFCON 2026 opening match will take place on Sunday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Also Read: How to Watch WAFCON 2026 Matches in Kenya: TV Channels, Streaming, Fixtures
The match will kick off at 11:00 PM EAT, giving Kenyan fans an opportunity to follow Harambee Starlets as they begin their continental campaign.
The game will be available for viewers in Kenya through KBC Channel 1, with online streaming options also available through KBC Plus.
The tournament will also be broadcast across the world through CAF’s broadcast partners, including:
- BBC Radio – Worldwide coverage
- Canal+ – Pan-Africa
- SuperSport – South Africa
- beIN Sports – MENA, France, Asia-Pacific and Oceania
- DAZN – Germany, Austria and Switzerland
- Ziggo – Netherlands
- AfroSport – Nigeria
- ZNBC – Zambia
- RTI – Côte d’Ivoire
- RTCV – Cape Verde
- Arryadia – Morocco
- Sportitalia – Italy
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
