Kenya Make WAFCON Return after 10 years Absence

The Kenya national senior women's football side, Harambee Starlets are back in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after a 10-year absence from the continental tourney. Kenya sealed qualification after eliminating The Gambia in the final qualification round on a 4-1 aggregate scoreline; following a 1-0 win in the second leg of the tie that was held on, Tuesday, 28 October at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal. The result follows a 3-1 win that Kenya secured in the home tie that was held on Friday, 24 October at the Nyayo National Stadium. Starlets’ lone goal was scored in the 51st minute when Elizabeth Wambui launched a long ball to the box that was missed by the Gambian goalkeeper Mary Gomez and Wuday Colley in a defensive confusion to allow Mwanalima Adam to head home into an empty net. With the win, coach Beldine Odemba has managed to guide Kenya to a place in the 2026 WAFCON that will be held from 17 March to 3 April 2026 in Morocco. The Gambia Starting XI: Mary Gomez, Juwana Colley, Kaddy Jatta, Bintou Ceesay, Kaddy Jallow, Fatoumata Kanteh ©, Fatty Katou, Manyima Stevelmans, Wuday Colley, Fatoumata, Jammeh, Sarah Jarju. Kenya Staring XI: Lilian Anyango, Enez Mango, Vivian Makokha, Tabitha Amoit, Ruth Ingosi ©, Maryja Amunyolet, Fasila Adhiambo, Mwanaliam Adam, Lavender Akinyi, Elizabeth Wambui, Shaylene Opisa.