Harambee Starlets Qualify For WAFCON 2026 After Beating Gambia

Harambee Starlets have qualified for the 2026 African Women’s Cup of Nations after beating Gambia in two games
Mwanahalima Adam scored the only goal in the second game held in Senegal to give Kenya a 4-1 aggregate victory
Kenya now returns to the big stage for the first time since 2016, which was held in Cameroon and won by Nigeria

Kenya’s national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, will participate in the next edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Harambee Starlets have qualified for WAFCON 2026. Photo courtesy of: Harambee Starlets.
Source: Twitter

Harambee Starlets made easy work of The Gambia, home and away, to return to the big stage for the first time in 10 years.

How Harambee Starlets qualified for the WAFCON championships

Mwanahalima Adam scored the only goal of the second game at the Stade Lor Stadium in Thies, Senegal, ensuring a 4-1 aggregate victory for Kenya.

Harambee Starlets went into the game knowing that any draw would be enough to give them a chance.

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Head coach Beldine Odemba made two changes from the side that won 3-1 at Nyayo Stadium last week.

Vivian Nasaka came in to replace Elizabeth Muteshi at right back, while Tabitha Amoit partnered with captain Ruth Ingosi in the center of defence.

They were the better of Gambia for most of the game, with Lilian Awuor comfortably handling everything the Queen Scorpions threw at us.

At the beginning of the second half, Mwanahalima Adam used a defensive combination to head into an empty net, giving Kenya a good chance in the draw.

Prior to the two-round match against Gambia, Kenya had beaten Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate after securing an important away win in Tunis.

Fans online reacted to the win with Ian saying,

“Well played, ladies. Congratulations. Rabat, the Starlets are coming.”

Collins Okinyo said,

“Congratulations, Kenya Harambee Starlets, for qualifying for WAFCON. It has been ten years since Kenya last played in WAFCON. Qualifying again would show how women’s football has improved in Kenya.”