Starlets one game away from historic WAFCON return after nine-year absence

Just 90 minutes stand between Kenya’s Harambee Starlets and a long-awaited return to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), nine years after their last appearance in 2016.

The national women’s team heads into the decisive second leg against The Gambia with a 3-1 advantage, but head coach Beldine Odemba insists the job is far from done.

The Starlets departed Nairobi early Saturday morning for Senegal, which will host the return fixture on neutral ground. Odemba, who has overseen a rejuvenated squad featuring several young talents, says the team is determined to end Kenya’s continental drought.

“It’s been nine long years, and it will be 10 before the next WAFCON,” she said. “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.”

Her comments referenced President William Ruto’s pledge of Sh5 million ahead of the first leg, with additional rewards promised, including Sh1 million per player if they win away and qualify.

His rallying cry, “Mcheze kama nyinyi, nitacheza kama mimi”, captured the national pride surrounding the campaign.

First-leg comeback

Kenya earned their first-leg win in style at Nyayo National Stadium, coming from behind to defeat Gambia 3–1.

After a defensive lapse allowed Fatoumata Kanteh to open the scoring for the visitors, the Starlets responded swiftly.

Mwanalima “Dogo” Jereko equalised from the penalty spot after Shalyne Opisa was fouled. Fasila Adhiambo, captain of the U20 side, then made it 2-1 with a dazzling solo run from midfield.

Debutant Opisa capped off the comeback just before halftime, scoring her first international goal from a Ruth Ingosi assist to give Kenya a crucial two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.

Odemba’s tactical gamble, blending experienced players like Adam with emerging stars such as Adhiambo and Opisa, paid off.

“A lot has worked out for us,” she said. “We’re incorporating young players into the senior team because we want to make the future of Kenyan football bright.”

A personal mission

For Mwanalima, the journey carries deep personal meaning. She was part of the squad that qualified for WAFCON 2016 but missed the tournament to sit for her KCSE exams.

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Now, nine years later, she’s leading from the front again, scoring in the first leg and inspiring her teammates with experience and composure.

“It’s a pleasure to be back,” she said. “Last time, I missed WAFCON because of school, but this time, it’s my turn. We’ve done what the coach instructed, but it’s not over until it’s over. Let’s focus on the away match, then we’ll talk about how we feel.”

Despite the first-leg deficit, Gambia remain a threat. Under the away-goal rule, a single goal in Senegal could draw them level on aggregate.

Gambia’s assistant captain Ola Buwaro issued a warning after the match: “It wasn’t a bad game, Kenya played well, but so did we. We were just exhausted. When we meet again in Senegal, we’ll fight back. Kenya shouldn’t be too happy because we scored them at home.”

With everything to play for, Kenya’s focus now shifts to protecting its lead and finishing the job.

A win or draw in Senegal would send the Starlets back to the continental stage for the first time since Cameroon 2016, a moment that would mark not just a sporting triumph, but a statement of renewal for women’s football in Kenya.

As Odemba’s determined squad prepares for the final 90 minutes, one sentiment echoes through the camp: “It’s not over until it’s over”.