Why 2026 demands patience for Stars but offers promise for Starlets
For Harambee Stars, it will be a year of waiting, rebuilding, and reflection while for Harambee Starlets, it will be a year of action, hope and renewed belief as they return to the continental stage...
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The year 2026 presents a stark contrast for Kenya's national football teams. For the men's team, Harambee Stars, it will be a period of rebuilding and reflection with limited competitive matches, while the women's team, Harambee Starlets, anticipates an active year on the continental stage.
- Harambee Stars failed to qualify for the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
- Under South African tactician Benni McCarthy, Harambee Stars won 6, lost 5, and drew 4 of 15 matches last year, achieving a 40 percent win rate.
- Harambee Starlets will participate in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, marking their second Wafcon appearance and first in 10 years.
- The Starlets secured their Wafcon spot by defeating Gambia’s Queen Scorpions 4-1 on aggregate last October.
- Both teams are looking towards preparing for future tournaments, with the Stars focusing on the 2027 Afcon as co-hosts and the Starlets on the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.
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Mali & Senegal Advance in AFCON; Kenya's Starlets Await Active Year - January 2026
Mali secured a dramatic 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Tunisia in the Africa Cup of Nations round of 16, progressing to the quarter-finals after their match ended 1-1. Mali played much of the game with 10 men. In another last-16 match in Tangiers, teenager Ibrahim Mbaye scored a late goal to secure a 3-1 victory for Senegal over Sudan. Meanwhile, 2026 presents a stark contrast for Kenya's national football teams. The women's team, Harambee Starlets, anticipates an active year on the continental stage, while the men's team, Harambee Stars, will have a period of rebuilding with limited competitive matches.
