Harambee Starlets thrash Gambia to scent WAFCON ticket, awarded Ksh.10M by Pres. Ruto

The triumph saw the national women’s team inch closer to sealing the Africa Cup ticket for the first time since 2016 when they debuted in Cameroon.

The return leg will be played on Tuesday at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, some kilometres to the east of Senegal’s capital city Dakar, because Gambia does not have a stadium that meets Caf standards.

The Gambia drew first blood after just three minutes when Lavender Akinyi’s back pass to Lorine Ilavonga saw the defender fail to clear the ball and she was easily dispossessed by Spain-based forward Fatoumata Kante who slotted low past Kenya’s goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.

Kenya responded after seven minutes via the penalty spot as Mwanahalima Adam, popularly known as Dogo, stepped up and took a beautiful spot kick to restore parity for the Starlets.

Starlets then scored their second through Fasila Adhiambo as the 19-year-old showed great strength to beat two markers before firing an unstoppable shot past the goalkeeper.

Elizabeth Wambui then put the match to bed after he scored the third goal for Kenya just before half-time.

Following the win, the Harambee Starlets squad will be rewarded Ksh 10million in total following President William Ruto’s promise of Ksh 5million if they defeat the Gambia on Friday.

Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi while speaking to the players before the kick off revealed that President Ruto had earlier given the team Ksh 5million and further promised he would increase the reward to Ksh 10million if they pick a win.

President Ruto further increased his reward to the team ahead of the reverse fixture, promising Ksh 1 million for each member of the squad if they win and qualify for the WAFCON to be held in Morocco.

And in case they draw in the second leg, the Head of State promised that each player will be rewarded Ksh. 500,000.

A draw of any kind will be enough to send the Beldine Odemba-coached charges to the Africa Cup for the first time in seven years.

The 2026 Wafcon edition will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3.