Thiès, Senegal – Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Kenya’s national women’s football team, the Harambee Starlets, have officially qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a determined 1-0 win over Gambia at the Stade Lat Dior in Senegal.
Mwanalima “Dogo” Adam scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute, securing a 4-1 aggregate victory. He goal marked Kenya’s return to the continental stage for the first time since 2016.
A Triumph Nine Years in the Making
This moment means more than qualification — it’s a symbol of resilience and renewal for women’s football in Kenya. The Starlets’ return to WAFCON highlights the steady growth of the women’s game. It also proved the commitment of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) to invest in female athletes.
Their campaign began with a tense first-round clash against Tunisia. After a goalless draw in Nairobi, Tereza Engesha scored an early winner in Sousse to seal a 1-0 away victory. That win sent Kenya into the final round of qualification brimming with belief.
Home Glory and Grit in Senegal
In the first leg at Nyayo Stadium, the Starlets dominated early. Mwanalima Adam opened the scoring in the 12th minute, before Fasila Adhiambo and Shalyne Opisa added two more goals to seal a 3-1 home win.
The second leg in Senegal was tighter, but Kenya held their nerve. Adam struck again — a calm, composed finish that silenced the Gambian defense. The 1-0 win confirmed Kenya’s spot at next year’s WAFCON in Morocco.
Coach Odemba: “This Team Has Heart”
Head Coach Beldine Odemba was emotional after the match. She praised her players for their determination and spirit, saying, “The girls have shown great character and heart in every game. It hasn’t been easy, but they stayed focused and believed in their dream — to bring Kenya back to the WAFCON stage.”
She added that teamwork and preparation made all the difference: “Every camp, every friendly match, every training session — it all built us for this. The players deserve all the credit for their discipline and effort. Now, we look ahead to Morocco.”
Kenya Joins Africa’s Best
Kenya now joins Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, South Africa, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Algeria, Ghana, and Cape Verde among the ten nations already qualified.
Fans across Kenya have celebrated the victory on social media, with messages of pride and hope flooding timelines. The Starlets’ achievement mirrors the rising strength of women’s football across Africa, as seen in recent performances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and regional tournaments.
As the Harambee Starlets shift their focus to Morocco, one thing is clear — Kenya is back, stronger, prouder, and more determined than ever.
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