Ex-Starlets skipper Aluoch backs Kenya to shine at Wafcon

Ann Aluoch, former captain of the Harambee Starlets, believes that Kenya has what it takes to progress beyond the group stage of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.

Aluoch, 38, who captained Kenya when the country made its first appearance in the tournament in 2016, said that the current squad has the quality and experience to make more history.

“This team has a good balance of professional players and young talent, some of whom have already played on the world stage. They have what it takes to qualify for the knock-out stage,” Aluoch told Nation Sport on Friday.

Despite being drawn in a tough group, Aluoch says Kenya should not be intimidated by opponents. Kenya is ranked 128th in the Fifa standings, well below Morocco (62nd), Algeria (74th) and Senegal (81st).

Aluoch pointed to Cape Verde’s impressive performance recently at the 2026 Fifa World Cup as proof that underdogs can beat more established teams. 

“Look at what Cape Verde did at the World Cup. Everyone considered them underdogs, yet they shocked the world. Football is all about strategy, belief and execution,” said Aluoch.

“It won’t be easy for the players, but qualifying from this group is possible. We can even beat Morocco on their home turf. Our Under-17s recently beat them 2-1 in a friendly, which shows they can be beaten.”

Aluoch urged Kenyans to support the Starlets instead of putting pressure on them.

“I want to ask fans to believe in these girls. Let’s not criticise them. They deserve our support and encouragement because they have worked hard to get here. If we all pull together, they can achieve something special for Kenya.”

Harambee Starlets, coached by Beldine Odemba, arrived in Rabat on Thursday after week-long training camp in France ahead of the continental showpiece.

Kenya have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria. The Starlets will open their campaign against Morocco on Sunday at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, kicking off at 9 pm local time (11pm in Kenya).

They will then play Senegal on July 30, before concluding their group matches against Algeria on August 3 at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The stakes are high, as this tournament will serve as the final African qualifier for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four semi-finalists will qualify automatically, while two other teams will advance to the inter-confederation play-offs.

Aluoch recalled the hardships the team endured before qualifying for the 2016 tournament in Cameroon.

“The players had to overcome numerous challenges away from the pitch,” she said. “It was always our dream to qualify for Wafcon, but women’s football faced many challenges back then. We didn’t even have accommodation. Sometimes we slept in changing rooms.”

“We believed that qualifying for Wafcon would change our lives and help to improve women’s football in Kenya,” she added.

Kenya had been scheduled to face the DR Congo in the first round of the 2016 qualifiers, but advanced after receiving a walkover. In the final round, the Starlets beat Algeria on the away-goal rule after drawing 2–2 in Algiers and 1–1 in Nairobi.

Current Starlets captain, Mwanahalima Adam, scored in Algeria as the hosts conceded an own goal. Defender Enez Mango scored Kenya’s crucial goal in the second leg at Kasarani in Nairobi, securing the Harambee Starlets’ place at their first-ever Wafcon.

“Before the second leg against Algeria, that was the first time we had been accommodated in a hotel. It was a difficult journey, and I applaud every player who persevered through those challenges,” said Aluoch.

Three members of the current squad were part of the historic 2016 qualification campaign: goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, Mango and Adam.
Awuor travelled with the team to Cameroon but did not play, while Mango missed the tournament due to personal commitments. Adam was also unavailable, as she was preparing for her Form Four exams.

Coached at the time by David Ouma, who is currently the head coach of Mathare United in the Sportpesa League, Kenya were drawn against the African football powerhouses and defending champions Nigeria, Ghana and Mali in tough Group A.

The Starlets finished bottom of the group without a point, having lost 4-0 to Nigeria, 3-1 to Ghana and 3-1 to Mali. Forward Esse Akida scored Kenya’s only goal against Ghana, as Cheris Avilia Salano netted a consolation goal against Mali.

Aluoch, a mother of two, said that women’s football has grown tremendously over the last decade, with improved investment, exposure, and opportunities for young players.

“We never had the support that this generation is enjoying. We hoped that Wafcon would open doors for us, and in many ways it did,” she said.

She said leading the national team gave her opportunities, including coaching the Rising Starlets U-20 team. She also praised inclusion of young players such as defender Elizabeth Ochaka and forwards Marion Serenge and Valerie Nekesa, who have progressed through the youth teams.

The trio was part of the Junior Starlets side that took part in the 2024 Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup in the Dominican Republic.

“The squad has a good blend of youth and experience. Most of them have already competed at World Cup level, so the Wafcon stage should not intimidate them,” she said.

“If they perform well, many doors will open because this tournament is a platform for players to market themselves to clubs abroad.”

Aluoch also noted that women’s football has undergone a significant transformation. “There are now more scholarships for girls through football, greater media coverage, and more people are following the women’s game. That is a huge milestone.”

The former defender, who made her Starlets debut in 2013 before retiring five years later, urged the current squad to embrace the challenge, even though they are up against more experienced opponents.

“Football is full of surprises. What will matter are our strategy, discipline, and belief. If the players execute the coach’s plan, Kenya can surprise many in Morocco,” she said.

Outside of her playing career, Aluoch has transitioned into coaching, currently serving as assistant coach to Mildred Cheche with the Junior Starlets.

Together, they guided Kenya to a second successive Fifa Under-17 Women’s World Cup after securing qualification for the 2026 tournament in Morocco. Aluoch attributes this achievement to consistency, hard work, and self-belief.

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