Harambee Starlets Mwanalima Adam (L), Enez Mudeizi and Vivian Makokha during a previous match/ HANDOUTHarambee Starlets forward Mwanalima Adam said Kenya’s qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is more than just a national triumph — it’s a personal redemption.
Back in 2016, she was part of the Starlets squad that made history by qualifying for their first-ever Wafcon in Cameroon, but she missed the tournament while sitting for her Kenya Certificate Secondary Examinations.
“Being part of the squad that brought Kenya back to the big stage now is such a proud moment,” Mwanalima said. “Back then, I couldn’t travel with the team, so this feels like making amends.”
Kenya booked their ticket to next year’s continental showpiece in Morocco after a commanding 4–1 aggregate victory over The Gambia.
The Starlets seized control in the first leg at Nyayo National Stadium, winning 3–1 with goals from Mwanalima, Fasila Adhiambo and Shalyne Opisa.
In the return leg on Tuesday night at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, Mwanalima once again rose to the occasion — her solitary strike sealing Kenya’s long-awaited return to WAFCON after nine years in the wilderness.
Their campaign began with a hard-fought 1–0 aggregate win over Tunisia, courtesy of Terry Engesha’s decisive second-leg goal after a barren draw in Nairobi.
While the qualification marks a major step for Kenyan women’s football, Mwanalima insists the journey is far from over.
“It’s not over yet — our focus now is on Wafcon,” she said. “There will be big teams and big names, but as Starlets we are confident. We are capable of bigger things; that’s why we were able to qualify.”
She credited their success to focus, faith, and support from all quarters.
“I thank God for the opportunity, and I also thank the President, the federation, and the technical bench. They have supported us well and that’s why we’ve performed well,” she added.
Head coach Beldine Odemba echoed her sentiments, urging the government and the Football Kenya Federation to ensure proper preparations ahead of the continental tournament.
“It’s now time to roll up our sleeves and get down to real work,” Odemba said. “We saw a big difference between the Gambia that played Niger and the Gambia that faced Kenya — that came down to good preparation. If we prepare well, we’ll perform well.”
FKF Vice President McDonald Mariga lauded the team’s performance and called for early planning.
“It’s a big achievement for the Starlets and we’re very proud,” he said. “Wafcon is a major tournament, so we have to start our preparations early to make sure the team is ready to compete.”
