WAFCON Qualifier: Harambee Starlets Qualify for 2026 WAFCON After Thrilling Encounter Against Gambia

Harambee Starlets WAFCON berth against Gambia

Kenya's Harambee Starlets have qualified for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 0-1 loss to Gambia in the return leg, securing a 3-2 aggregate victory.

“We all understand that the assignment is not yet done, and we are looking forward to finishing it on Tuesday...”

Kenya's Harambee Starlets have officially secured a spot in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco after a hard-fought 0-1 loss to Gambia in the return leg of the final qualifier. The result means the East African nation progresses with a 3-2 aggregate score, building on their 3-1 victory in the first leg at the Nyayo National Stadium a fortnight ago.

In the first leg, the Starlets showed resilience and determination. They trailed early courtesy of Queen Scorpions' Fatoumata Kanteh but bounced back magnificently. Mwanalima Adam levelled the score from the penalty spot, followed by Faith Adhiambo's crucial goal to put the Starlets ahead 2-1. Shalyne Opisa sealed the victory with an impressive display, giving Kenya a vital two-goal advantage heading into the second leg.

Coach Beldine Odemba's cautious approach ahead of the second leg proved prudent, as Gambia pushed hard for the win. Despite the loss, the Starlets' first-leg cushion proved too much for the West African side to overcome. A draw or better was required from Gambia to take the tie to extra time or penalties, but the Starlets managed to hold on and secure their qualification.

“We knew the job wasn't done yet,” Coach Odemba's sentiments ahead of the match underscored the team's focus and determination. The Starlets' qualification marks a significant milestone for Kenyan women's football, and fans are eagerly anticipating their performance in Morocco.

With this qualification, Kenya will join the top women's football nations in Africa for the 2026 WAFCON, where the top four teams will directly qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. The Starlets are set to make their second appearance in the tournament after their debut in 2016.

FT

🇬🇲 0-1 🇰🇪

Msilale kwanza, Tuko WAFCON 🔥🔥🔥#HarambeeStarlets #RoadToWAFCON pic.twitter.com/t2krugZUWU

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 28, 2025

“Job Not Done Yet” - Odemba

Despite holding a 3-1 advantage, Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba remained cautious, emphasizing that his team must be well-prepared to finish the job they started in the first leg against Gambia.

“The girls are ready,” said Odemba ahead of the clash. “Like I said last time, they are highly spirited and looking ahead to the match.

“We all understand that the assignment is not yet done, and we are looking forward to finishing it on Tuesday. The girls really want to play on the biggest stage and they are ready to do it.”

Odemba added: “The history, like we said, we are racing against time. 10 long years without qualifying for WAFCON final, so how else can you measure the improvement of women football in our country?

“It will be good if we can qualify after nine years, it will show how much improvement we have made as women football in the country, and it will also open up a better future for women football.”

She concluded: “We urge our fans, first of all those, who live here in Senegal, to come and cheer the girls, fans at home please continue praying for us, keep the trust, we are here to do the job for the nation.”

The top four teams in the WAFCON will secure direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil. Additionally, two more teams will have the opportunity to join them through the inter-confederation playoffs.

Kenya's WAFCON History

Kenya's last appearance in the WAFCON tournament was in 2016, when they made their debut in Cameroon. Unfortunately, the Harambee Starlets concluded the group stage without securing a win.

Hello Morocco 👋 The girls are coming! 🇰🇪#WAFCON2026 pic.twitter.com/jRSt0VE95l

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 28, 2025

 

In their Group B campaign, Kenya faced tough opponents, including eventual champions Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana. The Starlets suffered defeats in all three group matches, starting with a 3-1 loss to Ghana, followed by a 3-1 defeat to Mali, and finally a 4-0 thrashing at the hands of the Super Falcons.