Kenya’s women’s national football team, the Harambee Starlets, are on the edge of securing a spot in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with just one match left to play. The decisive game will take place tonight at 7:00 PM East African Time at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal. This match is the second leg of the final qualifying round against The Gambia, with Kenya currently holding a strong 3-1 lead from their first encounter at home in Nairobi.
The Starlets opened their first-leg scoring through Mwanahalima Adam’s penalty, canceling out The Gambia’s early strike. Fasila Odhiambo then added another before halftime, and Shirleen Opisa secured a third goal, giving Kenya a solid advantage. To book their place in next year’s continental tournament in Morocco, the team needs to avoid defeat by a margin of two or more goals. A draw or any victory would guarantee their qualification, marking a historic return after their last WAFCON participation in 2016.
The match is being played in Senegal due to The Gambia lacking a CAF-approved stadium for international fixtures, neutralizing home crowd support for the visitors. Kenyan coach Beldine Odemba expressed confidence in her squad’s preparation and focus, highlighting that playing on neutral ground provides an even playing field. Meanwhile, The Gambia must win by at least 2-0 to overcome the deficit and take advantage of the away goals rule.
Despite the pressure, the Starlets are motivated by the opportunity to end nearly a decade of absence from the major African women’s football stage and by a financial reward promised by President William Ruto for qualifying or drawing. The Gambian side, led by assistant coach Omar Cham, remains hopeful and warns against complacency, emphasizing that the game is still wide open.
The outcome of tonight’s game will determine whether Kenya returns to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, a feat the Harambee Starlets are eager to achieve as they continue their drive toward continental football success.
