WAFCON: Odemba targets Starlets' response against Senegal after Morocco defeat

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba is confident her side can bounce back from their opening defeat at the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) when they face Senegal on Thursday, July 30, in Rabat.

Kenya began their campaign with a 4-0 loss to hosts Morocco at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium, leaving the Starlets needing positive results in their remaining Group ‘A’ matches to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.

Speaking to Citizen Digital, Odemba said the technical bench has already identified the mistakes that cost the team against Morocco and is focused on correcting them ahead of the crucial clash with Senegal.

“Of course we are not happy with the results but we have seen where we felt short and that’s what I’m working on. We still have two matches and we must ensure that we capitalize on what we can from the opponents as we are planning to watch their matches as well and note their strength and weaknesses,” noted Odemba.

The coach believes Kenya still has a chance of progressing despite the difficult start.

“We still have the chances though we don’t think it’s easy. We are going back to our drawing board and see what we can do. We haven’t met Senegal before but what I’m sure of is that their style of play is very different from Morocco. We have met Algeria before and lost the first match 2-1 but pulled a 1-1 draw in the second leg, so it’s a team we well understand,” she added.

Captain Mwanalima Adam Jereko says the team has put the defeat behind them and is determined to respond with a better performance.

“It was a great match against Morocco, only that they managed to utilize on their chances and humiliated us. Against Senegal I hope we will win. We only need to play with unity as per our technical bench instructions.”

Despite Kenya's heavy defeat, Morocco head coach Jorge Vilda praised the Starlets, describing them as a well-organized side that has improved significantly.

“We have won against Kenya but I must admit that they have a very solid and tactical side. It’s a very different team to the one we played together last year, they have improved a lot. In their squad I have some couple of players to applaud including Captain Mwanalima, Tereza Engesha and Fasila Adhiambo, and I have no doubt that they will defeat Senegal,” he averred.

After facing Senegal, Kenya will conclude their group campaign against Algeria on August 3, with the Starlets still hoping to reach the semi-finals and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.