Harambee Starlets, the Kenya’s women football national team edged out the visiting The Gambia in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium today.
The hosts came from a goal down to win 3-1 to move it close on sealing the continental slot since 2016 when they debuted in Cameroon with the second leg set for Tuesday at Stade Lat Dior in Thies.
With lack of a stadium that meets Caf standards in Gambia, Kenya will play The Gambia in Senegal’s capital city Dakar.
Fatoumata Kante scored first through a back pass from Lavender Akinyi to Lorine Ilavonga, who failed to clear and scored the first goal to lead 0-1 but Mwanahalima Adam leveled through a penalty for 1-1.
Fasila Adhiambo doubled the score for 2-1 then Elizabeth Wambui sealed the win before half-time.
With the victory, Starlets squad will be rewarded Ksh 10million in total following President William Ruto’s promise of Ksh 5million if they defeat the Gambia.
A draw of any kind will be enough to send the Beldine Odemba-coached charges to the Africa Cup set for Morocco from March 17 to April 3 next year.