Starlets Eye WAFCON Return

The Harambee Starlets are currently in a residential training camp, intensifying their preparations for the final phase of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers. The team is set to face Gambia in a two-legged third-round fixture, with the aggregate winner securing a coveted spot in the continental showpiece scheduled for Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026.

Kenya will host the first leg on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 6:00 PM EAT at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. The return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.

Road to Qualification

The Starlets advanced to this final round after a 1-0 aggregate victory against Tunisia in the previous stage. Their journey began with a goalless draw against Tunisia in the first leg at Ulinzi Complex, followed by a 1-0 win in the return leg in Tunis, with Tereza Engesha scoring the decisive goal.

This qualification campaign marks Kenya's determined effort to return to the WAFCON tournament, having made their sole appearance in 2016. In 2023, the team narrowly missed out on the 2024 WAFCON after a 2-1 aggregate loss to Botswana.

Squad and Technical Bench

Head coach Beldine Odemba, who was appointed in September 2023, named a provisional squad of 38 players for the Gambia qualifiers on Thursday, October 2, 2025. This squad, which reported to camp on Sunday, October 5, 2025, blends experienced players with promising new talent, including U20 graduates and top performers from domestic leagues.

Among the new faces earning their maiden senior call-ups are Ulinzi Starlets defender Lorine Ilavonga and Trinity Starlets midfielder Elizabeth Muteshi, both of whom have expressed their determination to make the final squad. Other notable inclusions are goalkeeper Mercy Akoth (Vihiga Queens), defenders Dorcas Neema (Kibera Soccer Women), Lavyne Ochola (Kayole Starlet), Kikky Masika (Zetech Sparks), and forwards Shirleen Opisa, Charity Midewa (both Rising Starlets graduates), and Nicoline Hawa Muteshi (Iron Ladies FC), the 2024/25 FKF Women Division One top scorer.

Odemba's tenure has seen a focus on strengthening the squad and integrating youth, a strategy she believes is crucial for building a conveyor belt of talent.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Implications

Players like Lydia Akoth, a midfielder for Yanga Princesses, have voiced the team's strong focus and confidence in securing qualification, highlighting the potential for individual player development and international opportunities that a WAFCON appearance brings.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF)'s decision to expand the WAFCON from 12 to 16 teams starting in 2026 is seen as a significant development that could offer more opportunities for teams like Kenya.

Evidence/Data Box

• First Leg: Friday, October 24, 2025, 6:00 PM EAT, Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya.
• Return Leg: Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Stade Lat Dior, Thiès, Senegal.
• Provisional Squad: 38 players named by Head Coach Beldine Odemba on Thursday, October 2, 2025.
• Last WAFCON Appearance: 2016.

What to Watch

The Harambee Starlets will be looking to leverage their home advantage in the first leg in Nairobi to secure a strong lead before traveling to Senegal for the decisive return fixture. The final 23-player squad is expected to be announced closer to the match dates. The performance of the new call-ups will be closely watched as they aim to solidify their places in the national team.