Kenya’s women’s national team have set their sights on reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals – a milestone that would also secure a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup – as they prepare to end a 10-year absence from the continental finals.
Attacking midfielder Fasila Adhiambo and forward Marion Serenge, speaking from the team’s training camp in France, say the Harambee Starlets are determined to make a statement when the tournament kicks off in Morocco.
Kenya open their campaign against the hosts on Sunday, before Group A fixtures against Senegal and Algeria.
Starlets eye history after 10-year wait
For Kenya, this will be only their second appearance at WAFCON, with their last outing coming a decade ago.
Adhiambo, set for her debut at the tournament, says the squad are embracing both the pressure and the opportunity.
“It is a good experience for us [to camp] before we go to WAFCON,” said the attacking midfielder, who is eager to make her mark in the final third.
“Of course, as for my personal goals, I am a winger, so expect a lot of crossing, and if God blesses me, I will get a goal for my team. Of course, it is my first tournament.”
The France camp has been arranged to sharpen the team’s fitness and tactical awareness before they head to North Africa, with the technical staff hoping the European conditions and friendly matches will provide crucial match readiness.
World Cup qualification the ‘overall target’
Beyond individual ambitions, Adhiambo made clear that the squad’s primary objective is to go deep into the tournament.
“Of course, reaching the semifinals would be the best for us so that we can qualify for the World Cup,” she said.
Under the current format, a place in the last four at WAFCON guarantees a ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled for 2027. That carrot has become the central focus for a Kenyan side eager to test themselves on the global stage.
Forward Marion Serenge says that belief within the team is high.
“We believe that we will reach the semifinals. We believe that we will make it,” she insisted, echoing Adhiambo’s confidence.
Tough group test against hosts Morocco
Kenya face an immediate examination of their credentials when they play Morocco, the host nation and one of the continent’s emerging women’s football powers.
The fixture against Senegal will provide another stern test, with the West Africans also seeking to assert themselves in the women’s game, while the meeting with Algeria could prove decisive in the race for a place in the knockout phase.
Despite the challenge, Adhiambo and Serenge’s comments reflect a squad that is not merely satisfied with returning to the tournament after a decade away, but one targeting a historic run that could propel Kenya back onto the World Cup stage.
