For Mwanalima, who brings valuable overseas experience into the squad, the 2026 tournament carries special personal significance.
The Starlets are scheduled to depart for Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on Saturday for two international friendlies aimed at sharpening match fitness and tactical cohesion.
Kenya will face Benin on March 2 before taking on the hosts two days later at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara d’Ebimpé.
From West Africa, the team will proceed to Miramas, France, for a high-performance residential camp running until March 15, where the technical bench intends to fine-tune systems, strengthen combinations and solidify team chemistry ahead of the continental showpiece.
“We have a target. We are going there aiming for World Cup qualification,” she said. “Personally, the target is the World Cup. Football is unpredictable — there are no underdogs. Ninety minutes decide everything.”
The forward, who previously missed out on a major tournament assignment, believes the current squad has matured tactically and mentally compared to Kenya’s last appearance at the continental finals in 2016.
Mwanalima missed that opportunity at the time because she was sitting her KCSE examinations.
“Last time I missed out; this time I will give my all,” she said. “It would be a great joy not just for me but for the entire team.”
She spoke as head coach Beldine Odemba prepared to name her final 25-player squad ahead of the tournament.
Kenya will open their Group A campaign against hosts Morocco on March 17 before facing Senegal on March 20 and Algeria on March 23 in what is widely regarded as one of the toughest pools in the competition.
With the final 25-player squad set to be confirmed, focus now shifts from selection to execution as Harambee Starlets seek to translate structured preparation into tangible progress on the continental stage.
“The feeling is good,” Mwanalima said as the team wrapped up the latest phase of residential training. “This is a very big competition and we need motivation. Support is not necessarily financial — it is about showing us that we are united.”
Head coach Beldine Odemba earlier unveiled a 34-player provisional squad blending experienced internationals and emerging U20 prospects, signalling both continuity and healthy competition within the camp.
From that list, the coach is expected to trim the squad to 25 players who will travel for the final build-up assignments and the tournament proper.
“We are looking at the bigger picture,” Odemba said in a recent interview with CAF. “The friendly matches and the Miramas camp will allow us to evaluate our strengths and weaknesses in real match situations. Preparation is key. Modern football demands organisation, teamwork and belief.”
Defender Dorcas Shikobe also expressed confidence in the team’s preparations, highlighting the benefits of early reporting and structured camp sessions.
“The camp is good. We prepared early and came together in good time. I am very excited about what lies ahead,” Shikobe said. “I thank God for this chance. It is rare.”
She also pointed to the competitive environment created by the integration of youth players into the senior set-up.
“I see young upcoming players showing what they have learnt from me, while I am also learning from them. They may be young but we learn from each other. They are ready to fight for this, and upcoming players will also get the chance to play internationally.”
