Gambia eyes comeback win over Starlets in WAFCON qualifier
The Starlets departed Nairobi for Senegal on Saturday, which will host the return fixture on neutral ground, as The Gambia does not have stadiums that meet international standards.
Gambia's forward and vice-captain Ola Buwaro has insisted the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against Kenya's Harambee Starlets is far from decided, ahead of the second leg scheduled for 7:00 pm on Tuesday in Senegal.
The She Scorpions trail 3-1 after last Friday's first-leg clash in Nairobi and must win by at least two goals to keep their qualification hopes alive. Despite Gambia opening the scoring, goals from Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo and Shalyne Opisa secured the victory for the Starlets.
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In an interview with Telecomasia, Buwaro, who plays for Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow, said the away goal rule gives her side a platform to mount a comeback.
"This game is not yet over. It is still 50-50. We scored one goal away from home, and we can score many more at home. We learnt something about Kenya, and now we know how to better take on them because we know their strengths and weaknesses and how they play," she said.
"We believe in ourselves, and we believe we can make history for the country. We have the ability, and we just need to take our chances and ensure Kenya does not score."
The Starlets departed Nairobi for Senegal on Saturday, which will host the return fixture on neutral ground, as The Gambia does not have stadiums that meet international standards.
Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odimba has stressed that the team is determined to win the match and secure Kenya's return to WAFCON, which will be hosted in Morocco nine years after their last appearance in 2016.
"It's been nine long years, and it will be 10 before the next WAFCON. The girls are hungry to qualify. I can't dispute that the motivation from our President played a part in this victory, but beyond that, the team is driven by desire and belief," she said.
"The job is not done yet. We have a two-goal cushion, and we need to protect it at all costs. We want to celebrate after the final whistle in Senegal, and the girls are very focused on that. There are only a few who have tasted WAFCON action in this team, and they did so as young girls back in 2016. Now, we want to ensure that all of us get a feel of it."
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