Unstoppable Harambee Starlets edge out Gambia to seal WAFCON return

Harambee Starlets have qualified for the 2026 Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 1-0 win against Gambia in the second leg of the third round played on Tuesday evening at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal. Their win in Senegal capped a 4-1 aggregate scalp after their 3-1 win in Nairobi last Friday.

After a seesaw encounter in the opening half, Mwanahalima Adam Jereko's 59th-minute goal was enough to send the Beldine Odemba-coached side to the continental showpiece set for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, the last time being 2016 in Yaounde, Cameroon.

Forward Shyline Opisa had a chance to score an early goal for the Starlets in the 24th minute, but her shot was well cleared by Gambia keeper Aminata Gaye.

Another chance for Kenya was through Martha Amunyolet six minutes later, but her free kick was cleared by the keeper.

Gambia lethal forward who plays for Sevilla in the Spanish Women’s Premier League, Fatou Kanteh, had a chance to equalize for her side, but her shot was well cleared by Kenyan keeper Lilian Awuor in the 74th minute.

Apart from making a second appearance at WAFCON, they have earned Ksh1 million each from President William Ruto, who had made the pledge if they won and qualified.

In the home fixture, goals from Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and Shirleen Opisa gave Kenya a comfortable lead and the confidence to finish the job in the return leg.

Kenya last participated in WAFCON 2016, which was their first ever, in Cameroon, where they concluded group matches without a win. The Starlets were pooled in Group B alongside Nigeria, who eventually won the title, Mali, and Ghana.

Kenya started off their campaign with a 3-1 defeat against Ghana before losing their matchday two fixture 3-1 against Mali. Their final preliminary round fixtures were against the Super Falcons, which they lost 4-0.

Their journey to Morocco 2026 has been one of resilience and belief. Before dispatching Gambia, the Starlets edged out a spirited Tunisian side in the previous round, earning a vital 1–0 away win after a draw in Nairobi, a feat highlighted by goalkeeper Lilian Awuor’s heroics, saving two penalties to keep Kenya’s dream alive.