Harambee Starlets set to face Gambia in final WAFCON qualifier

Harambee Starlets goalkeeper in training ahead of the clash with The Gambia. (Photo: FKF)

By Erick Kariuki
Wednesday, October 22, 2025

To rally local support, FKF has announced that tickets are already on sale, with regular stands going for Sh100 and VIP tickets priced at Sh500.

Kenya’s women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets, will host The Gambia this Friday in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to take place next year in Morocco.

The Starlets booked their place in this decisive round after a remarkable 1-0 away victory over Tunisia in Sousse on February 26, 2025, thanks to an early strike from Tereza Engesha. Goalkeeper

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Lilian Awuor was also outstanding, pulling off two penalty saves to secure the team’s historic win, their first-ever competitive away victory against North African opposition.

The result was even more impressive, considering Kenya had been held to a goalless draw in the first leg in Nairobi. That triumph underlined the team’s growing resilience and belief as they aim to return to continental football for the first time since 2016.

Under head coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets are two matches away from sealing their second-ever WAFCON appearance. Their only previous qualification came nine years ago under then-coach David Ouma, when they advanced past Algeria on the away goals rule after a 2-2 draw in Algiers and a 1-1 draw in Nairobi.

This time, Odemba’s side will face a determined Gambia outfit chasing their maiden WAFCON qualification. The winner over two legs will join 15 other teams at the 2026 finals in Morocco.

To rally local support, FKF has announced that tickets are already on sale, with regular stands going for Sh100 and VIP tickets priced at Sh500. Fans can purchase them online via tikiti.com or through the USSD code 51955#.

Odemba is yet to name her final squad, but 38 players have been in camp for the past three weeks, fine-tuning tactics and sharpening fitness ahead of the crucial tie.

Simba Queens defender Ruth Ingosi says the team is confident and ready to deliver.

“The morale in camp is high; everyone is putting in the effort because we really need the win at home. The team is ready, and I urge fans to show up just like they did during CHAN for the boys. We hope for a win at home, and then we will finish the job away,” she said.

Her teammate Vilote Nanjala echoed the defender’s optimism, promising a spirited performance.

“It won’t be an easy match, but with the work we’ve put in, we will be up to the task. Everyone is ready. On Friday, we won’t fail the fans. Let them come in good numbers; with their support, we will get the much-needed win.”

With confidence high and home support expected to be strong, the Harambee Starlets will be aiming to take a commanding advantage before heading to Banjul for the return leg.