Harambee Starlets poised for historic WAFCON return, urge fan support at Nyayo

Kenya’s women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets, are just two matches away from sealing their return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after almost a decade-long absence.

The Starlets will host The Gambia this Friday, October 24, at the Nyayo National Stadium in the first leg of the final qualifying round, with the return leg set for Tuesday, October 28, in Senegal.

Having last featured at WAFCON in 2016 under then-coach David Ouma, the Starlets are determined to write a new chapter in their history.

They advanced to this stage after a remarkable 1-0 away victory over Tunisia in Sousse on February 26, 2025, courtesy of an early strike from Tereza Engesha.

Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor produced a heroic performance that day, saving two penalties to secure Kenya’s first-ever competitive away win against North African opposition.

Head coach Beldine Odemba believes her side is ready to finish the job and return to continental competition.

“The team is in high spirits. The girls are looking forward to the match; they understand it’s a big opportunity for them to compete on a big stage,” Odemba said after the final training session at Nyayo. “There is pressure, of course, but everything in camp is well. We have watched our opponents, analysed their last two matches, and worked on their strong points so that they don’t exploit them tomorrow.”

Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor echoed the coach’s confidence, emphasising the importance of fan support.

“The mood is high. We have quality players, and everyone is ready and fighting,” Awuor said. “These remaining matches are very important to us because qualifying for WAFCON will open many opportunities for us as players. We’re asking fans to come in large numbers and support us.”

Veteran defender Dorcus Shikobe was equally optimistic, underlining the team’s determination to win.

“We are not ready to lose tomorrow; it’s a must-win,” she said. “We’ve prepared well, and we’re calling on fans to support us just as they do for Harambee Stars. Personally, qualifying will be a big milestone and open more opportunities for us to play at higher levels.”

Their opponents, The Gambia, have named a 23-player squad for the doubleheader, blending local and foreign-based talents.

Coach Mariama Sowe’s side includes players from top domestic clubs such as Police FC, Red Scorpions FC, Berewuleng FC, and TMT FC, alongside foreign-based stars like Mam Drammeh and Mariama Cham (AS Bambey FC, Senegal), Ola Buwaro (Locomotive Moskva, Russia), Penda Bah (Viimsi JK, Estonia), and Fatoumata Kanteh Cham (Sevilla FC, Spain).

The aggregate winner of the two-legged tie will book a ticket to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which will be staged next year, with the host nation yet to be confirmed.

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• Harambee Starlets poised for historic WAFCON return
• urge fan support at Nyayo