Twenty-four hours before di opening match of TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026, hosts Morocco and Kenya hold press conference for Moulay El Hassan Stadium for Rabat.
Di tone clear and defined: Morocco dey aim high, but no fear. Kenya return after ten years absence, determined make dem erase bad memories of 2016.
Morocco coach Jorge Vilda, wey lead Spain to win FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, talk say dem no feel pressure to play at home. “Playing in front of our fans and families go never be negative. We feel illusion and excitement to showcase our football,” di Spanish coach say.
Captain Ghislaine Chebbak, wey dem crown African Player of the Year for 2025 CAF Awards, also brush aside individual expectations. She say, “My goal na to bring my best self to di team. Individual accolades fine, but wetin really count na team trophies.”
History dey on Morocco side: for past 13 WAFCON editions, host nation don win opening match 11 times, with only one loss and one draw. Host nations currently on nine-match unbeaten run for di opening matches.
For Kenyan side, di atmosphere dey one of renewed pride. Coach Beldine Odemba, former international and holder of CAF A coaching license, express satisfaction with work dem do for recent months: training camp abroad, solid qualifying performances against Tunisia and The Gambia, and participation for FIFA Women’s Series for Nairobi.
True strength of Harambee Starlets dey for their youthful exuberance. Di squad build from promising generation wey compete for FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup 2024 for Dominican Republic. “These young players bring unique experience to our football. Dem don already play for World Cup, dem know demands of highest level,” Odemba emphasize.
Kenya go play dia first match ever against host nation for WAFCON. Dem dey look to score first-ever points for di competition, as dem never manage to keep clean sheet for final stages of continental tournament.
One interesting stat: Morocco don convert all six penalties dem get for open play for last two WAFCON editions, plus penalty shootouts, dem dey on 15 consecutive successful penalties streak.
