Kenya’s national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, are only 90 minutes away from securing qualification to the 2026 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Beldine Odemba-led team beat The Gambia 3-1 in the first leg of the qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 24, 2025.
Gambia scored early in the game on the 3rd minute after a defensive error allowed Fatoumata Kante to find the back of the net before Mwanahalima Adam put things all square through a penalty spot kick on the 10th minute.
Fasila Adhiambo put Kenya 2-1 ahead after an individual effort before Martha Amunyolet scored the crucial third goal. All the goals were scored in the first half.
Starlets now only need to avoid defeat in the second away at The Gambia to qualify for WAFCON set for 2026.
How much did Ruto give Harambee Starlets after beating Gambia?
The win also secured the team Ksh 5 million from President William Ruto. Ruto had earlier pledged the cash reward to the national team as a motivation.
For the upcoming second round, the President pledged Ksh 1 million for each player should they win and qualify, while a draw will see each of the Harambee Starlets players get Ksh 500,000.
Harambee Starlets will now travel to Senegal for the return leg, which will be played on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès.
The last time the Harambee Starlets played at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was in 2016, when they hosted the tournament in Cameroon.
They have not participated in the competition since that appearance.
