Harambee Starlets during a training session/ CHARLENE MALWA Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor says the team is fully prepared and motivated to deliver when they face The Gambia in the first leg of the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers on Friday at Nyayo Stadium.
“A win on home ground would be of great importance because, if we qualify, it will open up opportunities for us,” said Awuor, who plays for Farul Constanța in Turkey.
“Personally, it’s a good opportunity. It gives you a good name and exposure. The mood is good, the players have very good qualities and the cohesion is there. We have shown capability.”
The Beldine Odemba–coached side is seeking a return to the continental stage for the first time since 2016, when Kenya made their WAFCON debut in Cameroon.
A win over the two legs will send Starlets to Morocco 2026, the first edition to feature 16 teams, with the top four earning automatic qualification to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Odemba said the team is in high spirits and injury-free as they prepare for the crucial tie.
“At the moment, we have no injuries,” she said. “The mood is good in camp, and we are confident. We have studied Gambia’s last two matches, and we know where they are strong and weak. We’ll capitalise on their weaknesses.”
She added that the match carries great importance for the players and the country.
“This is a big opportunity. It’s important for the girls and their careers. We need the same support accorded to our male counterparts. Winning and qualifying will put Kenya ahead,” she said, adding that they will seek to make home advantage count.
Forward Violet Nanjala added, “We’ve trained hard for this moment. We want to win at home and carry that advantage to Senegal. The dream is to qualify and represent Kenya at WAFCON again.”
The Starlets have been in residential training for over three weeks. Kick off is set for 4 pm with the return leg scheduled for October 28 at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.
Tickets are sold on tikiti.com or USSD 51955# — Sh100 regular and Sh500 for VIP. Kenya advanced after edging Tunisia 1–0 on aggregate, while The Gambia eliminated Niger 4–1.
