Gambia Finalises Squad Ahead of Nairobi Showdown

The Gambia women's national football team, known as the 'Queen Scorpions,' has announced its 23-player roster for the upcoming 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Kenya's Harambee Starlets. The squad, unveiled by head coach Mariama 'Bom' Sowe, features a blend of local talent and four foreign-based professionals, including Manyima Stevelmans (Riga FC, Latvia), Ola Buwaro (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Penda Bah (Viimsi JK, Estonia), and Fatoumata Kanteh (Sevilla FC, Spain). Kanteh is considered a significant offensive threat, having scored in both legs of their previous qualifying round against Niger.

The first leg of this critical encounter is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2025, at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kick-off at 6:00 PM EAT. The return leg will take place four days later, on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, as The Gambia lacks stadiums meeting CAF minimum standards.

Harambee Starlets Intensify Preparations

Kenya's Harambee Starlets are currently in Nairobi, intensifying their training sessions under head coach Beldine Odemba. Odemba, who was appointed Harambee Starlets coach in September 2023, had previously resigned in June 2025 following a friendly match loss to Morocco, but appears to have since returned to lead the team. The team is blending experienced players with promising young talents as they aim for a return to the continental stage for the first time since 2016.

The Starlets secured their spot in this final qualifying round after defeating Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate. The Gambia advanced by overcoming Niger with a 4-1 aggregate victory in the first round.

Historical Context and WAFCON Significance

The 2026 WAFCON tournament, to be hosted in Morocco, will be the first edition to feature an expanded 16 teams, a move confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) earlier this month. This expansion increases the opportunities for African nations to participate in the prestigious continental competition. Furthermore, the tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams earning direct qualification slots and two more advancing to intercontinental playoffs.

Both Kenya and The Gambia are eager to make their mark. The Harambee Starlets are striving for their second WAFCON appearance, having last qualified in 2016. The Gambia, currently ranked 124th in the world by FIFA, is seeking its maiden WAFCON appearance.

Evidence/Data Box

• First Leg: Harambee Starlets vs. The Gambia, Friday, October 24, 2025, 6:00 PM EAT, Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi.
• Second Leg: The Gambia vs. Harambee Starlets, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Stade Lat Dior, Thiès, Senegal.
• Gambia's Head Coach: Mariama 'Bom' Sowe.
• Kenya's Head Coach: Beldine Odemba.
• WAFCON 2026: Hosted in Morocco, expanded to 16 teams.
• World Cup Qualification: WAFCON 2026 offers four direct slots to the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

What to Watch

The upcoming matches are critical for both nations. Kenya will be banking on home advantage in the first leg to secure a strong result before traveling to Senegal for the return fixture. The performance of key players, particularly Gambia's Fatoumata Kanteh and the Harambee Starlets' blend of experience and youth, will be crucial in determining which team advances to the WAFCON 2026 in Morocco.