Return to the Continent

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Harambee Starlets have officially secured their place in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating the Gambia 1-0 on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The decisive match, held at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, concluded the final qualification round with a 4-1 aggregate victory for Kenya.

Forward Mwanalima 'Dogo' Adam was the hero of the night, scoring the lone goal in the second half to cement Kenya's return to the premier continental tournament for the first time since their debut in 2016. The qualification marks a significant milestone for Kenyan football, signaling a potential resurgence for the women's game after years of challenges, including a FIFA ban that sidelined the team from the 2024 qualifiers.

The Decisive Encounter

Heading into the return leg with a comfortable 3-1 lead from the first match in Nairobi on Friday, October 24, the Starlets adopted a disciplined and strategic approach. The first leg at Nyayo National Stadium saw Kenya rally from an early deficit with goals from Mwanalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and Shirleen Opisa.

The second leg was played at a neutral venue in Senegal because the Gambia does not have a stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for international matches. Despite early pressure from the Gambia, Kenya's defense, marshaled by goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, held firm. The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Adam capitalized on an opportunity to head the ball into the net, effectively ending the Gambia's hopes of a comeback.

A Historic Comeback

This achievement ends a nearly 10-year wait for the Harambee Starlets, whose only previous appearance at WAFCON was in 2016 in Cameroon. During that tournament, the team was eliminated in the group stage after losses to Ghana, Mali, and eventual champions Nigeria. The current qualification is the culmination of a resilient campaign under head coach Beldine Odemba, which included a hard-fought victory over Tunisia in a previous round.

The success has been met with national celebration and has drawn praise from government officials. President William Ruto pledged a KSh 1 million reward for each player and member of the technical team for qualifying for the tournament. This follows a KSh 10 million incentive provided to the team for their first-leg victory, underscoring the growing support for women's sports in the country.

Looking Ahead to Morocco 2026

The 2026 WAFCON will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The tournament is set to be the 16th edition of the championship. For the Harambee Starlets, the focus now shifts to preparing for the continental showpiece. Coach Odemba has emphasized that qualification is a significant step for the growth of women's football in Kenya.

The tournament in Morocco will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The top four teams at WAFCON will automatically secure a spot at the global event, providing an even greater incentive for the Starlets to perform well. As stated by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) officials, this qualification is expected to open doors for players and inspire a new generation of female footballers across Kenya.