Kenya’s Harambee Starlet preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations have been overshadowed by uncertainty, with the Confederation of African Football expected to make a decisive announcement today regarding the status of the tournament.
The continental competition is scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, but growing speculation suggests the tournament could face changes involving the host nation or even the dates. CAF Head of TV and Communications Luxolo September confirmed that discussions have been ongoing at the highest level and that clarity would be provided within 48 hours, a timeline that now points to a decision being revealed today.
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For the Harambee Starlets, the uncertainty comes at a delicate stage of their preparations. Head coach Beldine Odemba has been leading the squad through a series of international friendlies meant to test the team before the tournament begins. Kenya recently completed a short tour in Côte d’Ivoire where they faced two West African opponents as part of their build-up.
The Starlets opened the trip with a 2–0 defeat against Benin before concluding the camp with a narrow 1–0 loss to Ivory Coast at the Alassane Ouattara Ebimpé Olympic Stadium.
While the results were disappointing, the fixtures offered the technical bench valuable insight into areas that still require improvement before the continental showpiece. Coach Odemba and her staff are expected to use the lessons from those encounters to fine-tune the squad ahead of the final phase of preparations.
Harambee Starlets next step involves a final training camp in Miramas, France before traveling to Morocco for the tournament. However, that plan now hinges on the outcome of CAF’s announcement, which will determine whether the competition proceeds in Morocco as originally scheduled or undergoes adjustments.
The tournament carries additional significance because it doubles as Africa’s qualifying route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semifinalists will secure automatic qualification, raising the stakes for every participating nation.
The uncertainty has also forced other teams to reconsider their plans. Nigeria’s Super Falcons, who had intended to transition directly into a training camp in Morocco following their recent friendlies, altered their schedule and returned home after it became clear that no official directive had been issued regarding the competition.
South Africa has already indicated its willingness to host the tournament if Morocco is unable to proceed, with officials from the country’s sports ministry stating they are prepared to step in should CAF require an alternative venue.
For Kenya, the focus remains on maintaining readiness regardless of what decision emerges today. The Harambee Starlets continue their build-up knowing that the announcement will not only determine where the tournament will be played but could also reshape the final phase of their journey toward one of the most important competitions in African women’s football.
