The Harambee Starlets moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 3-1 victory over The Gambia in the first leg of the second-round qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium.Kenya fell behind just two minutes into the match when Sevilla’s Fatoumata Kanteh capitalized on a hesitation by Starlets fullback Lorine Ilavonga, giving The Gambia an early lead.

However, Kenya responded quickly, leveling the score within 10 minutes through a penalty converted by Mwanahalima Adam. The Starlets then took control of the match, with Fasila Kamama Adhiambo and debutant Shirleen Opisa scoring to complete an emphatic performance led by captain Beldine Odemba.

Strong hold on qualification

Ranked 121st, The Gambia struggled to mount a comeback, allowing Kenya to secure a vital advantage ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Tuesday, October 28, in Thies, Senegal 70km east of Dakar. The match was relocated due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved facility in The Gambia.

An aggregate win will see the Starlets qualify for their second Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, following their debut appearance in 2016. The 2026 tournament is scheduled to run from March 13 to April 7 in Morocco.

Team Lineups

Harambee Starlets (Starting XI):
Lilian Onyango, Lorine Ilavonga, Enez Mango, Mwanahalima Adam, Shirleen Opisa, Lavender Akinyi, Martha Amunyolet, Elizabeth Muteshi, Elizabeth Mutukiza, Ruth Mukalukho, Fasila Adhiambo

Substitutes:
Vivian Nasaka, Dorcas Shikobe, Tumaina Waliaula, Airine Madalina, Corazone Aquino, Annedy Kundu, Medina Abubakar

The Gambia (Starting XI):
Aminata Gaye, Juwanna Colley, Bintu Ceasay, Penda Bah, Issatou Jallo, Fatoumata Kanteh, Fatou Sonko, Manyima Stevelmans, Jarra Jambang, Mariama Cham, Ola Buwaro

Substitutes:
Kaddy Jatta, Kaddy Bayo, Metta Sanneh, Wuday Colley, Fatoumata Jammeh, Mary Gomez, Sarah Janju