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Mwanalima Adam dismisses underdog tag ahead of WAFCON 2026 campaign
28th February, 2026 01:05 PM
Harambee Starlets midfielder Mwanalima ‘Dogo’ Adam has dismissed the underdog narrative surrounding the women’s national football team in the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (2026 WAFCON) Group A, which comprises African giants.
Beldine Odemba’s girls will have to battle it out against hosts and favourites Morocco, North African giants Algeria and West African powerhouse Senegal for a place in the knockouts.
After nine years of absence at the tournament, Kenya will take to the field in their opening fixture against Morocco on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, as Mwanalima Adam insists the team has the talent to compete effectively against Africa’s finest.
No underdogs!
”We are ready, there is no underdog in football. The group is great, we have played against Algeria and Morocco in previous friendly matches, so we know them. They will realise we are not pushovers, we are going to fight,” she said on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Kasarani Stadium.
Dogo missed the chance to represent Kenya at the 2016 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) due to KCSE exams, but will now get that chance 10 years later after Harambee Starlets qualified for the Morocco showpiece.
The winger could not hide her excitement after Kenya sealed qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking the team’s first return to the continental stage in a decade.
The 26-year-old, who plies her trade with Danish side HB Køge after struggling in the USA for Kansas City, has been in sparkling form, using her consistent club performances to propel herself back into the national spotlight.
Special moment
”This is my turn, I missed the previous edition, but now I have to give my best on the best because my time has come. We are not just going to WAFCON to WAFCON, but going to prepare for the World Cup.” She said.
The team departed on Saturday, February 28, 2026, for Abidjan, where they will face Benin on Monday, March 2, and the Ivory Coast on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Both matches will be staged at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.
Harambee Stalets will thereafter travel to Miramas, France, for a residential training camp that will run until Sunday, March 15, 2026, before heading to Morocco for the continental tournament.
