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Kenya's national women's football team, the Harambee Starlets, are urging strong fan support as they prepare for their decisive 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against The Gambia. The team aims to secure a return to the continental tournament for the first time since 2016.
The Harambee Starlets are in Nairobi, intensifying their training sessions ahead of their crucial 2026 WAFCON qualifier against The Gambia. The first leg of the two-legged tie 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 be played on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, which will serve as The Gambia's home ground.
Head coach Beldine Odemba has been overseeing rigorous training, blending experienced players with promising young talents. The team's focus is on tactical play, improving coordination, and maintaining high intensity to ensure a positive outcome.
Kenya secured their spot in this final qualifying round after a hard-fought 1-0 aggregate victory over Tunisia. The Starlets played a goalless draw against Tunisia in the first leg at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday, February 21, 2025. In the second leg, played in Sousse, Tunisia, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, a third-minute goal from Tereza Engesha sealed their advancement. Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor was instrumental in that match, saving two penalty attempts from Tunisia to preserve Kenya's lead.
The Gambia, their current opponents, advanced to this stage after an impressive 4-1 aggregate victory over Niger.
The Harambee Starlets are striving to make their second appearance at the WAFCON tournament, having last qualified in 2016. The 2026 edition, to be held in Morocco, will be the first to feature an expanded 16 teams, increasing the opportunities for African nations. Furthermore, the tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with the top four teams earning direct slots.
Players are confident in their preparations and are urging Kenyans to fill the stadiums. Forward Shirleen Opisa expressed the team's belief, stating, "We believe in ourselves because of the training, the fans should fill the stadium and see the best we've put in training. We are ready to win both home and away." Her sentiments were echoed by fellow forward Faith Mboya, who emphasized the team's fighting spirit.
Newcomer Lorine Ilavonga, a defender from Ulinzi Starlets, who is making her debut for the senior team, highlighted the importance of hard work and self-belief. Ilavonga was part of Kenya's U17 side that qualified for the 2024 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup without conceding a goal in the qualifiers.
The performance of the Harambee Starlets in the first leg at home will be critical in setting the tone for the tie. A strong showing in Nairobi, coupled with a large home crowd, could provide the necessary momentum for the team to overcome The Gambia and secure their place in the 2026 WAFCON. The blend of experienced players and emerging talents under Coach Odemba's guidance will be key to their success.
