WAFCON: Between Moroccan ambition and Kenyan freshness
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Twenty-four hours before their opening match in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, hosts Morocco and Kenya held a press conference at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
Between the high standards of the two-time African runners-up and the return of the Harambee Starlets after a 10-year absence, the tone was set. Clear and defined.
Morocco: High standards without fear
There was ambition, but above all, a great sense of calm in the Moulay El Hassan press conference room. Facing the media, national coach Jorge Vilda – who led Spain to victory in the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 and captain Ghislaine Chebbak, appeared relaxed yet focused ahead of this first Group A clash (kick-off Sunday at 9:00 PM local time).
When asked about their status as favourites and the pressure inherent in playing at home for the third consecutive edition, both dismissed the idea of it being a burden.
“Playing at home, in front of our fans and families, will never be a negative. We do not feel that pressure. If anything, we feel the illusion and the excitement of showcasing our football,” the Spanish coach insisted.
For Vilda, the defining word remains responsibility. With a balanced squad blending experienced veterans and promising young talent integrated over the last few training camps (more than 50 players have been tested in a year), Morocco approaches this tournament with confidence.
And history is on their side. In the past 13 WAFCON editions, the host nation has won its opening match 11 times (with only one loss and one draw). Even better, the host nations are currently on a nine-match unbeaten run in their opening matches.
Ghizlane Chebbak
Crowned African Player of the Year at the 2025 CAF Awards, Chebbak also brushed aside individual expectations with her characteristic selflessness:
“My goal is to bring my best self to the team. Individual accolades are nice, but what really counts are the team trophies.”
Indeed, the Atlas Lionesses’ greatest weapon is Chebbak. Morocco’s all-time leading scorer at the WAFCON with eight goals, the captain is a true taliswoman. Morocco has won five of the six matches in which she has found the net. Ironically, Morocco’s only defeat with a goal from Chebbak dates back to the WAFCON 2024 final against Nigeria 3-2.
Kenya: Youngsters with a hunger for success
On the Kenyan side, the atmosphere was one of renewed pride. Absent from the continental tournament for a decade, Kenya arrives in Morocco with no timidity, determined to erase the memory of 2016 when the country suffered three defeats in three matches during their first appearance.
Coach Beldine Odemba – a former international and holder of a CAF A coaching license expressed her satisfaction with the work accomplished in recent months, notably a training camp abroad, solid qualifying performances (victories against Tunisia and The Gambia), and participation in the FIFA Women’s Series in Nairobi.
But perhaps the true strength of these Harambee Starlets lies in their youthful exuberance. The squad is built on the promising generation that competed in the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 in the Dominican Republic.
“These young players bring unique experience to our football. They have already played in a World Cup, they know the demands of the highest level,” emphasized Odemba, one of the few women to manage a senior national team on the continent.
“To grow, you have to face the best. Playing the host nation right from the start is a privilege. We want to get off to a good start and we are ready.”
Against Morocco, Kenya will play their first-ever match against a host nation at the WAFCON. The Kenyans will be looking to score their first-ever points in the competition, having never managed to keep a clean sheet in the final stages of a continental tournament.
The Stat
15/15 in penalty shootouts: Morocco’s accuracy
In the last two WAFCON editions, Morocco has been awarded six penalties in open play and converted all of them. Including penalty shootouts, the Atlas Lionesses boast an impressive streak of 15 consecutive successful penalties in the competition.
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