Why Harambee Starlets coach believes they can compete at WAFCON

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has insisted her side will head to the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with the intention of competing for honors rather than merely making up the numbers.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Starlets secured qualification for the continental showpiece for the first time in a decade and will be looking to build on the country's growing reputation in women's football. With four FIFA Women's World Cup places up for grabs at the tournament Odemba believes her team has what it takes to challenge Africa's top sides.##NAJAVA_MECA_9839157##"We are not just going to participate; we are going to compete," Odemba told CAFOnline.com."I believe we have grown tremendously as a team over the years. We have improved in many areas, and the friendly matches we have played have given us a clear picture of where we stand. We will be facing the best teams on the continent, but I believe we can match them and compete strongly."Kenya's qualification marks their return to WAFCON ten years after making their debut, with the Starlets arriving in Morocco buoyed by encouraging performances in recent international friendlies.Harambee Stars trio win first trophy together as Nejmeh lift Lebanese FA CupOdemba said the growth of women's football in Kenya has given the team confidence that they can compete with the continent's established powers."Women’s football in Kenya has been steadily growing. There is still a lot more that can and should be done, but I believe we are moving in the right direction.""We now have more players earning opportunities abroad, which is a clear indication of the talent we possess. The talent has always been there; what we lacked were the opportunities, and now those opportunities are beginning to come."'Kenya must back Benni McCarthy to avoid AFCON 2027 embarrassment' – Victor Wanyama warnsThe Harambee Starlets recently participated in a four-nation tournament in Zambia as part of their preparations, holding the hosts to a 1-1 draw before losing on penalties and then cruising to a 6-0 victory over Lesotho.Odemba believes those matches have left her squad better prepared for the challenge that awaits in Morocco."Zambia is among the strongest teams in Africa and has enormous experience. They have played at the World Cup, the Olympics, and multiple AFCON tournaments, so getting a result like that against them gave us plenty of positives."Stoke City reward Harambee Stars defender with new contract, loan him outKenya has been drawn in a tough Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Algeria, and Senegal, but the coach remains unfazed by the challenge."It is definitely not an easy group,” she stated."But if our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, then we must be prepared to compete against and beat the best teams. In a way, facing them early can help us build confidence. I am not worried at all because I have complete confidence in my players."The Starlets will continue their preparations with a local training camp before traveling to France for a residential camp ahead of the finals as they seek to make a lasting impression on their return to Africa's biggest women's football tournament.Tusker set to crown 2025/26 best performers at annual gala awards