NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya's national women's football team, the Harambee Starlets, are just 90 minutes from ending a decade-long wait to return to the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The team carries a 3-1 aggregate lead into the second leg of their final qualifier against The Gambia on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The decisive match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 PM EAT (4:00 PM local time) at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, a neutral venue used as Gambian stadiums do not meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

A draw or even a narrow one-goal defeat would be enough to secure Kenya's spot at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco. This qualification would mark only their second-ever appearance at the continental championship, the first being in 2016. For The Gambia, ranked 124th in the world by FIFA as of August 7, 2025, the match represents a chance to make history by qualifying for the first time.

A New Guard Emerges

Central to the Starlets' campaign is the emergence of young talent like Lorine Ilavonga. The 17-year-old Ulinzi Starlets defender made her senior team debut in the first-leg victory in Nairobi on Friday, October 24. A graduate of the national U-17 (Junior Starlets) and U-20 (Rising Starlets) teams, Ilavonga represents a new generation tasked with reviving Kenya's fortunes in women's football.

Despite a nervous start where her mistake led to an early goal for The Gambia, Ilavonga has expressed determination to learn and improve. “It’s not easy coming this far. It all starts with believing in yourself,” she stated after the first match. “I’m grateful to the coach for trusting me... The few mistakes I made, I’ll correct them and do better in the next game.”

Head Coach Beldine Odemba has shown faith in blending youth with experience, a strategy that paid off in the first leg. After conceding in the third minute to Gambian forward Fatoumata Kanteh, Kenya, ranked 140th by FIFA, mounted a powerful first-half comeback. Veteran forward Mwanalima Adam equalized from the penalty spot in the 12th minute, followed by goals from Fasila Adhiambo and another debutant, Shaylene Opisa, before halftime to secure the 3-1 win.

High Stakes and National Support

The significance of the 2026 WAFCON extends beyond continental pride. The tournament, for the first time, will feature an expanded field of 16 teams, up from 12. More importantly, it will serve as the African qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification. This provides a clear and tangible pathway for the Starlets to the world's biggest stage, a powerful motivator for the squad.

The team's efforts have also attracted high-level government support. Ahead of the first leg, President William Ruto promised the team significant financial incentives. Following their 3-1 victory, the team was awarded KSh 5 million. For the upcoming second leg, a win will see each player earn KSh 1 million, while a draw guarantees each player KSh 500,000, adding a substantial financial motivation to the quest for qualification.

While Kenya is in a strong position, Gambian coaching staff remain hopeful. Assistant coach Omar Cham has emphasized that the tie is not over, citing their crucial away goal as a potential lifeline. The Queen Scorpions need to win by at least two goals without conceding to overturn the deficit.

As the Harambee Starlets prepare for the final hurdle in Senegal, the nation watches with anticipation. A successful result on Tuesday would not only signify a triumphant return to Africa's elite but would also validate the investment in a new generation of players like Ilavonga, ready to define the future of Kenyan football.