The Football Kenya Federation (FKF) has officially responded to the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) bombshell decision to postpone the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just 12 days before the tournament was set to kick off in Morocco.
The sudden delay as announced by CAF has thrown the African women’s football calendar into chaos, leaving qualified teams—including Kenya’s Harambee Starlets—in a state of sporting limbo.
In a press statement released on March 5, 2026, the FKF moved to calm anxieties within the camp and among fans. The federation emphasized that despite the lack of a new kickoff date, support for the national team remains a top priority.
“The Football Kenya Federation takes note of the official postponement of the 2026 WAFCON… FKF has fully supported the team, ensuring all arrangements were in place for their preparation and participation,” the statement read.
The federation further pledged to provide the technical staff and players with the necessary resources to remain “ready and competitive” for whenever the tournament is eventually rescheduled.
A Logistical Nightmare for Starlets
The timing of CAF’s announcement could not have been worse for the Starlets. The team has been in high-performance mode, recently completing international friendlies in Ivory Coast against Benin and the host nation.
More significantly, the team was on the verge of traveling to Miramas, France, for an elite training camp intended to fine-tune their tactics before landing in Morocco. With the tournament now postponed due to “unforeseen circumstances,” the FKF faces a logistical challenge regarding the costs and timing of these international camps.
CAF Under Fire: A Pattern of WAFCON Delays
This is not the first time CAF has disrupted major tournaments at the eleventh hour. Hivisasa notes that the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) was postponed just 18 days before its start in East Africa last year.
Reports suggest Morocco’s willingness to host a third consecutive WAFCON wavered following security concerns after the 2025 Men’s AFCON final.
CAF stated the move was to “ensure the success” of the event, a phrase often used when host facilities are not yet up to standard.
What’s at Stake for Harambee Starlets?
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as the gateway to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
This delay interrupts a peak momentum phase for Harambee Starlets. While the FKF commends the “resilience” of the players, football analysts worry that the lack of a clear roadmap from CAF could dampen the morale of a team that has invested heavily in its current preparation cycle.
