The opening match of the expanded 16-team tournament is scheduled for July 26th, featuring hosts Morocco against Kenya at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat.
The tournament marks Kenya's return to Africa’s premier women’s football competition 10 years after making their debut appearance in 2016.
Kenya will then face Senegal on July 30th at the Olympic Stadium, with the match set to kick off at 8.00 pm EAT.
The team’s final Group A fixture will be against Algeria on August 3rd at the Olympic Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 11.00 pm EAT.
Kenya going to compete
“We are not just going to participate; we are going to compete,” said Odemba as quoted by CAFOnline.com.
“I believe we have grown tremendously as a team over the years. We have improved in many areas, and the friendly matches we have played have given us a clear picture of where we stand.
“We will be facing the best teams on the continent, but I believe we can match them and compete strongly.”
Analysing Kenya’s group, Odemba admitted: “It is definitely not an easy group.
“But if our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, then we must be prepared to compete against and beat the best teams.
“In a way, facing them early can help us build confidence. I am not worried at all because I have complete confidence in my players.”
Odemba added: “We have played both Morocco and Algeria before, so we understand their strengths and know how to approach those matches. Senegal is the only team we have not faced, but we expect a very difficult game.
“These matches will test us, but they will also be an opportunity to show Africa that we are ready to compete at the highest level. As challenging as these games will be for us, they will not be easy for our opponents either.”
Kenya to pitch camp in France
Kenya are scheduled to pitch camp in France where they play a host of friendly matches as part of their preparations for the WAFCON.
“From next month, we enter a very crucial phase of our preparation,” offered Odemba.
“We have done an incredible amount of work since qualifying, but now we are approaching the most delicate stage.
“The four-day camp will help us assess where every player is physically and tactically before we move into the residential camp, where we will fine-tune everything ahead of the tournament.”
Harambee Starlets recently played a Four Nation tournament in Zambia and reflecting on the outcome, Odemba described the matches as a crucial step in their preparations
“Zambia are among the strongest teams in Africa and have enormous experience. They have played at the World Cup, the Olympics and multiple AFCON tournaments, so getting a result like that against them gave us plenty of positives,” added Odemba.
“The Lesotho match, on the other hand, helped boost our confidence in front of goal and allowed us to work on different aspects of our attacking play.
“Both matches have been extremely beneficial in strengthening our preparations.”
Odemba has already summoned a provisional squad of 29 players, retaining the core of players, who have featured prominently in the team's recent international assignments.
Back in the national team set up are Trinity Starlets duo Lilian Adhiambo and Elizabeth Muteshi.
The squad also reflects the continued progression of several players who have risen through Kenya’s youth national team structures and are now establishing themselves within the senior set-up, that is, Fasila Adhiambo, Marion Serenge, Elizabeth Mideva, Elizabeth Muteshi and Elizabeth Ochaka.
Kenya Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers; Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, Vivian Shiyonzo, Lilian Adhiambo.
Defenders; Leah Andiema, Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Euphraiser Shilwatso, Norah Ann, Elizabeth Muteshi, Mary Nthambi.
Midfielders; Mwanalima Adam, Martha Amunyolete, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo, Shaline Nambengele, Lorna Nyarinda, Mercy Airo, Airin Madalina.
Forwards; Shirleen Opisa, Eglay Mukhwana, Elizabeth Mideva, Marion Serenge, Violet Nanjala, Valerie Nekesa, Catherine Khaemba, Tumaini Waliaula.
