NAIROBI, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) will continue backing its women's national team, Harambee Starlets, despite the postponement of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just 12 days before the planned kick-off.
The tournament was due to be staged in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Thursday that it has been pushed back to July 25 to August 16.
The news came as a blow to Harambee Starlets, which had been fine-tuning for its return to the WAFCON after making its debut at Cameroon 2016, and left Kenya a fortnight ago.
The team has played friendlies in Cote d'Ivoire and was preparing to travel to France for a training camp in Miramas.
The FKF said Thursday that despite the postponement, it remains committed to providing Harambee Starlets with the resources, planning and support needed to keep the team ready and competitive for the rescheduled tournament.
"We commend the players and technical staff for their dedication and resilience and look forward to seeing the team continue their preparations in the coming months," the FKF said.
Kenya was due to play in Group A alongside 2024 WAFCON runner-up Morocco, Senegal and Algeria.
In its debut a decade ago, Harambee Starlets finished bottom of Group B after losing to record champions Nigeria, Ghana and Mali, conceding 10 goals and scoring two.
CAF did not state whether the 2026 WAFCON will still be played in Morocco. ■
