NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya's national women's football team, the Harambee Starlets, have secured their place in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a disciplined 1-0 away victory over The Gambia on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The win at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, sealed a commanding 4-1 aggregate triumph, ending a near-decade-long absence from the continent's most prestigious women's football tournament.

Veteran forward Mwanahalima Adam scored the crucial goal in the 51st minute, heading into an empty net after a defensive mix-up by the Gambian goalkeeper and defenders. The victory marks a historic moment for Kenyan football and a personal triumph for Head Coach Beldine Odemba, who becomes the first female coach to guide the Starlets to WAFCON qualification.

A Long and Arduous Road Back

The Starlets' return to the continental stage has been a journey of resilience. Their sole previous appearance was at the 2016 WAFCON in Cameroon, where they were eliminated in the group stage after defeats to Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria. The subsequent nine years were fraught with challenges, derailing the team's progress and denying a generation of players the chance to compete at the highest level.

A significant obstacle was the FIFA ban imposed on Kenya in February 2022 due to government interference in the affairs of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF). The nine-month suspension locked Kenya out of all international competitions, including the qualifiers for the 2022 WAFCON. The ban was lifted in November 2022 after the newly elected government reinstated the FKF executive committee, paving the way for the national teams' return to international football.

Even after the ban, the path was not smooth. The team narrowly missed out on the 2024 WAFCON after a heartbreaking loss to Botswana in the final qualifying round. However, under Coach Odemba, appointed in September 2023, the team demonstrated renewed focus and determination in the 2026 campaign, navigating a tough first round against Tunisia before their decisive encounter with The Gambia.

The Decisive Two-Legged Tie

Kenya laid the foundation for their qualification at home on Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Despite conceding an early goal, the Starlets rallied to secure a 3-1 victory, with goals from Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and Shalyne Opisa. This gave them a significant advantage heading into the second leg, which was played in Senegal as The Gambia does not have a CAF-approved stadium.

In the return fixture, Odemba's squad executed a disciplined game plan, defending their lead while looking for opportunities to strike. After a tense first half, Adam's goal early in the second half extinguished any hopes of a Gambian comeback and confirmed Kenya's place in Morocco.

Implications for Kenyan Football

This qualification is a watershed moment for women's football in Kenya. It serves as a powerful validation of the talent and potential that exists in the country, despite systemic challenges. The achievement is expected to boost the sport's profile, attract investment, and inspire a new generation of female footballers.

The success has also been met with government support. President William Ruto congratulated the team and pledged a reward of KSh 1 million for each player, in addition to the KSh 10 million the team received for their first-leg victory. This financial backing provides crucial motivation and recognition for the players.

For the FKF, the Starlets' success offers a positive narrative as it continues to rebuild its reputation following the FIFA ban and internal administrative issues. The qualification guarantees the federation a minimum of $125,000 (approx. KSh 16 million) in prize money from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), funds intended to support the development of women's football.

Looking Ahead to Morocco 2026

The 2026 WAFCON will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3, 2026. The tournament is of particular importance as it will also serve as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup. The top four teams at WAFCON will secure automatic qualification for the global showpiece.

Coach Odemba has already set her sights on an improved performance, stating the team will not just be participating but competing. "We know what happened in Cameroon, we must double our efforts, and make it better in Morocco," Odemba said after the match, referencing the team's 2016 experience. With a blend of experienced veterans and promising young talent, the Harambee Starlets will look to make a lasting impression on their return to the African stage.