Kenya's national women's football team, the Harambee Starlets, took a significant step towards qualifying for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Gambia's Queen Scorpions. The first-leg qualifier, held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, October 24, 2025, saw the Kenyan side overcome an early setback to establish a crucial two-goal advantage.

The visitors stunned the home crowd when Sevilla forward Fatoumata Kanteh capitalized on a defensive error to give Gambia the lead just two minutes into the match. However, the Starlets, led by coach Beldine Odemba, regrouped swiftly. Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam leveled the score from the penalty spot in the 11th minute after debutant Shalyne Opisa was fouled in the box. The comeback was completed in the 23rd minute when U20 captain Fasila Adhiambo scored a brilliant solo goal. Opisa then marked her first international appearance with a goal in first-half stoppage time (45+1'), securing a 3-1 lead for Kenya at the break.

A Decade of Waiting

A victory or a draw of any kind in the return leg will secure Kenya's place at the continental tournament for the first time in what will be a decade by the time the tournament kicks off in Morocco in 2026. The Starlets' only previous appearance was at the 2016 WAFCON in Cameroon, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Mwanahalima Adam, who scored the equalizer, was part of the 2016 qualifying squad but missed the final tournament to sit for her KCSE exams, making this campaign a personal mission.

Coach Odemba praised her team's resilience and hunger, highlighting the blend of young talent and experienced players. "It's been nine long years, and it will be 10 by 2026 when the WAFCON will happen. So, there is that urge and hunger to qualify," Odemba stated after the match. The team's morale was also boosted by a pledge of Ksh5 million from President William Ruto for a home win, with further incentives promised for securing qualification.

The Decisive Second Leg

The crucial return leg is scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The match will be played at the Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, as Gambia does not have a CAF-approved stadium. Despite Kenya's advantage, the tie is not over. Gambia's away goal means a 2-0 victory in the second leg would see them qualify. Gambian coach Omar Cham remained optimistic, stating, "Kenya have just won the first leg and we scored in their backyard... They should expect a different game in the second leg.”

Qualification for the 2026 WAFCON holds added significance as the tournament, which has been expanded to 16 teams, will also serve as the qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The top four teams at WAFCON will earn automatic spots at the World Cup, a potential historic milestone for Kenyan football.

The Starlets departed for Senegal on Saturday morning, focused on finishing the job and ending their long absence from Africa's premier women's football tournament. A disciplined performance on Tuesday will be required to turn this promising first-leg result into a celebrated return to the continental stage.