The Kenya women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets, has departed for Zambia ahead of the Four Nations Tournament as preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) continue to gather momentum.
The tournament, scheduled to take place in Lusaka, Zambia, will feature Kenya, hosts Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana. The competition is expected to provide the participating teams with valuable match experience ahead of upcoming continental assignments.
Harambee Starlets will begin their campaign against Zimbabwe on June 6 before facing hosts Zambia on June 9. The tournament comes at a crucial time for Kenya, which is preparing for its second appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after successfully securing qualification for the continental showpiece.
Head coach Beldine Odemba named a strong squad for the tournament, blending experienced players with emerging talents as she seeks to build a competitive team capable of challenging some of Africa’s top women’s football nations. The technical bench is expected to use the matches to assess player fitness, tactical discipline, and squad depth ahead of WAFCON.
The Starlets secured their place at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming regional rivals during the qualification campaign. Their qualification was widely celebrated as a significant achievement for women’s football in Kenya and highlighted the progress made by the national team in recent years. Speaking ahead of the team’s departure, members of the technical bench emphasized the importance of the Four Nations Tournament in helping the squad prepare for the challenges that lie ahead. The matches are expected to expose players to high-level competition and provide an opportunity to fine-tune strategies before the continental tournament.
The inclusion of Zambia in the tournament presents a particularly important test for Kenya. The Copper Queens are among Africa’s strongest women’s football teams and have consistently performed well on the continental and international stage. A positive performance against such opposition would provide encouragement for the Starlets as they continue their preparations.
The tournament will also offer an opportunity for some players to impress the coaching staff and strengthen their chances of securing places in the final squad for WAFCON. Competition for positions is expected to be intense as Kenya aims to assemble its strongest possible team for the tournament in Morocco. Women’s football in Kenya has continued to grow in popularity, with Harambee Starlets playing a key role in inspiring young girls to pursue the sport. The team’s recent achievements have attracted increased support from fans and stakeholders who hope to see Kenya become a consistent force in African women’s football.
As the team settles into camp in Zambia, attention will now shift to their opening fixture against Zimbabwe. Supporters back home will be hoping Harambee Starlets can deliver strong performances and continue building confidence ahead of one of the most important tournaments in the team’s history.
With WAFCON fast approaching, every match will play a crucial role in shaping Kenya’s preparations as the Starlets seek to make a positive impact on the continental stage and further elevate the profile of women’s football in the country.
