Harambee Starlets begin their long-awaited return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tonight with a daunting Group A encounter against tournament hosts Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

The match, scheduled to kick off at 11:00 p.m. East African Time, marks Kenya’s first appearance at the continental championship since 2016. After enduring a difficult debut campaign a decade ago without registering a point, the Starlets are determined to make a stronger statement this time around.

Kenya head coach Beldine Odemba believes her side arrives in Morocco better equipped for the challenge, crediting the postponement of the tournament for giving the team valuable preparation time through competitive international friendlies.

“I feel glad that the WAFCON was postponed, so we had another chance to be able to get ready. We’ve played friendlies that we deemed good for us because we’ve played at least three highly ranked teams, and that was a good preparation for us,” said Odemba.

The tactician acknowledged the magnitude of facing the hosts in the opening fixture but described it as an opportunity rather than a setback.

“It’s been 10 years since we were in WAFCON, and we’re really looking forward to our first match. Somebody had to host it, and it had to be Morocco, and it’s a privilege that we are meeting them in the first match,” she added.

Morocco head into the tournament among the favourites after finishing runners-up in the previous two editions and will enjoy the backing of a passionate home crowd as they chase their maiden continental title.

However, Odemba insists Kenya has travelled to Morocco with ambitions beyond participation.

“We’re going to give our best, we really want to win the first match, we really want to proceed. The last time we were in WAFCON, we were not able to win a single match, so this time we are looking forward to a very good start,” she said.

Captain Mwanalima Adam Jereko also expressed confidence in the squad, saying the players are ready to rise to the occasion.

“I think we are ready as players. The technical bench has already done everything, so it’s our part. Tomorrow(Today), may the best team win.”

Kenya booked their place at the finals after eliminating Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate before producing a commanding 4-1 aggregate victory over The Gambia. Jereko played a decisive role in qualification, scoring the crucial goal in the return leg against The Gambia to seal the Starlets’ return to Africa’s biggest women’s football tournament.

Odemba’s squad features a promising blend of experienced players and emerging talent, including several members of Kenya’s historic 2024 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup team.

“I have a number of players who have graduated from the under-17 team that played in the 2024 World Cup. They bring an experience that Kenya has never had. They’ve played a World Cup, and they understand the magnitude of tournaments, maybe tournaments even bigger than the WAFCON,” Odemba noted.

The Starlets have been drawn in a challenging Group A alongside Morocco, Senegal and Algeria. A positive result in their opening fixture would provide a major boost to Kenya’s hopes of reaching the knockout stage and keeping alive their dream of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the tournament’s four semi-finalists earning automatic qualification.