Harambee Starlets target WAFCON semi-finals after intensive France camp
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 23.07.26. | 17:47
The national women's team travelled to France on 15 July for a week long training camp as part of the final phase of preparations before heading to Morocco on 23 July for the continental showpiece, which runs from 26 July to 16 August
Harambee Starlets believe they have laid the foundation for a successful 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (wafcon) campaign after completing an intensive training camp in Miramas, France, with the players now setting their sights on a historic semi final appearance.
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The national women's team travelled to France on 15 July for a week long training camp as part of the final phase of preparations before heading to Morocco on 23 July for the continental showpiece, which runs from July 26 to August 16.
Kenya will kick off their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on 26 July before taking on Senegal and Algeria.
Forward Marion Serenge said the quality of training and facilities in France has strengthened the squad's confidence, insisting the players believe they can compete with Africa's best.
"We have trained well, the training facilities have been excellent and every session has pushed us to become better. We know the level of competition we are going to face, so we have been working hard in every department to make sure we are ready when the tournament begins," Serenge said.
"As a team, we have one common objective and that is to reach the semi finals. The way we have prepared, the commitment every player has shown and the belief within the squad gives us confidence that we can achieve that target. Nothing comes easy, but we are ready to fight for every point."
Serenge added that the Starlets have drawn inspiration from the recent achievements of the men's national team and believe they can also make history on the continental stage.
"We believe in ourselves because football is all about confidence and teamwork. As the boys made it, we can also make it. We want to make Kenyans proud by showing that we are capable of competing with the best teams in Africa."
Forward Fasila Adhiambo described the training camp in France as a valuable learning experience, saying the team has adapted well despite facing a different environment from what they are accustomed to.
"The experience here has been very good and every training session has helped us improve. Of course there are things we are not used to, like the food, but everyone has remained focused because we know why we are here. The training grounds are excellent and the environment has allowed us to prepare in the best possible way ahead of AFCON," Adhiambo said.
"Everything has been organised well for us and that motivates the players even more. When you are given such an opportunity, the only thing left is to work hard and repay that trust with good performances on the pitch."
The winger, who is preparing for her maiden WAFCON appearance, hopes to make a meaningful contribution whenever called upon by the technical bench.
"My personal goal is to help the team in every way possible. I want to keep delivering quality crosses for my teammates and if God blesses me with a goal, it will be an added bonus. It is my first tournament at this level, so I have high expectations of myself and I just want to meet what the coaches expect from me."
Adhiambo revealed that the team's ambitions have remained unchanged since reporting to residential camp at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, before travelling to France.
"Since we started camp back in Kasarani, the message from the technical bench has always been the same. We want to reach the semi finals because that would be a massive achievement for this team and it would also move us closer to qualifying for the World Cup. Everything has been provided for us throughout our preparations, so now it is our responsibility as players to deliver."
