Starlets plotting Gambia down fall with 2026 WAFCON ticket at stake

Harambee Starlets pose during their previous WAFCON qualifier against Tunisia PHOTO/POOL

Harambee Starlets will be seeking three points against their Gambian counterparts in a high-stakes Women's AFCON 2026 qualifier at Nyayo Stadium this evening, with a Morocco 2026 slot at stake.

Starlets led by head coach Beldine  Odemba's are chasing only their second continental tournament slot, having made their debut at the 2016 Cameroon event under David Ouma.

The Kenyan girls had their last training session yesterday, with captain Dorcas Shikobe confident they’ll perform well against the star-studded Queen Scorpions.

“We have prepared well and will be going for three points, but we expect a tough game from our opponents, who have several European-based players. A win at home will make our work easier in the second leg.” Said Shikobe.

Captain Shikobe, who plies her trade with Greek side Seirines Grevenon WFC  and Simba Queens midfielder Corazone Aquino, is the only player in the current squad who played in the 2016 Cameroon tournament, and she’ll be seeking to lead her troops to the Morocco 2026 event.

Odemba’s girls beat Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in the second round and will be seeking three points. Starlets have been in camp for the last three weeks, and Odemba believes they are well prepared.

 “This is a big game, the final round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers, and a win would send us through. We urge our fans to come out in large numbers and cheer us. We have studied their last games against Niger and will be looking to exploit their weaknesses,” Odemba said.

The Gambians, captained by Sevilla striker Fatou Kanteh, beat Niger 4-1 on aggregate to make the final round.

The Queen Scorpions arrived in Nairobi on Thursday, 24 October 2025, and had their training session at Nyayo stadium  later in the evening.

“It’s not going to be a simple match, because Kenya wants to qualify, and Gambia also wants the slot. It’s going to be a tough match because both sides have prepared well and our motivation is to win and play in the first continental championships.” Said Fatou.

Gambia coach Mariama Sowe believes they have an equal chance of qualifying, but they have to put up a great shift against the hosts to clinch the ticket, despite the home advantage.

The match kicks off at 4pm, with the second leg set for Senegal on Tuesday, 28 October 2025.