- Harambee Starlets have qualified for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after beating Gambia over two legs
- Mwanahalima Adam scored the solitary goal in the second leg held in Senegal to give Kenya a 4-1 aggregate win
- Kenya now returns to the big stage for the first time since 2016, which was held in Cameroon and won by Nigeria
Kenya women’s national football team, Harambee Starlets, will be at the next edition of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Source: Twitter
Harambee Starlets made easy work of the Gambia, home and away, to return to the grand stage for the first time in 10 years.
How Harambee Starlets qualified for WAFCON
Mwanahalima Adam scored the only goal of the second leg at the Stade Lor in Thies, Senegal, to ensure Kenya got a 4-1 aggregate win.
Harambee Starlets walked into the game knowing that a draw of any kind would be enough to see them through.
Head coach Beldine Odemba made two changes from the squad that won 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium last week.
Vivian Nasaka came in to replace Elizabeth Muteshi at right back, while Tabitha Amoit partnered captain Ruth Ingosi at the heart of defence.
They were better than The Gambia for most periods of the game, with Lilian Awuor comfortably dealing with everything the Queen Scorpions threw her way.
At the start of the second half, Mwanahalima Adam capitalised on a defensive mix-up to head into an empty net, further giving Kenya a strong foothold in the tie.
Before the double-legged tie against Gambia, Kenya had seen off Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate after getting a vital win away in Tunis.
Fans online reacted to the win with Ian saying,
“Well played, ladies. Congratulations. Rabat, The Starlets cometh.”
Collins Okinyo said,
“Congratulations, Kenya Harambee Starlets, for Qualifying for WAFCON. It’s been ten long years since Kenya last played at WAFCON. Qualifying again would show how much women’s football has improved in Kenya.”
Source: Twitter
FKF President Hussein Mohamed said,
“Congratulations to our Starlets for qualifying for #WAFCON2026!
A big thank you to the players and technical bench for this remarkable achievement, to H.E. President William Samoei Ruto and the Government of Kenya for their immense support, and to our passionate fans for always standing with the team. You have made Kenya proud!”
While McDonald Mariga, FKF Deputy President, said,
“Congratulations to the Harambee Starlets for qualifying for the WAFCON 2026 after edging out The Gambia 1-0 in the return leg in Senegal! Proud of the team’s spirit, hard work, and determination!”
McCarthy names Harambee Stars squad
In a different story, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has named his squad for the upcoming friendly games in November.
FKF has announced that Kenya will face Madagascar and Comoros during the November international window.
U-20 star Aldrine Kibet, who plays in Spain, is the standout name in the squad after he earned his first call-up to the senior team.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
