Harambee Starlets face Gambia in bid for Africa Cup spot
Harambee Starlets will host Gambia from 4pm today, in the first leg of the final round of 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers at Nyayo National Stadium.
The reverse fixture will be played on Tuesday at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, some kilometres to the east of Senegal’s capital city Dakar, because Gambia does not have a stadium that meets Caf standards.
The aggregate winner will qualify for 2026 Wafcon, which will be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3 next year.
Speaking to journalists yesterday at Nyayo National Stadium, Starlets coach Beldine Odemba said the team utilised a three-week training camp in Nairobi to adequately prepare for the crucial fixture.
“The girls are in high spirits and looking forward to the match. Despite external pressure, the team remains focused, and morale is high,” she said.
In their first meeting, the Caf “A” licensed coach is confident they have adequately prepared for their opponents.
“We have analysed Gambia’s last two matches against Niger and identified their strengths and weaknesses. We understand their scoring approach and will ensure they don’t gain any points against us,” noted Odemba.
Team captain and veteran defender Dorcas Shikobe urged fans to turn up in large numbers to support the squad. Shikobe, who was the assistant captain of Kenya’s squad at the 2016 Wafcon held in Cameroon, urged fans to support them as they do the men’s team, Harambee Stars, despite the tough match ahead.
“It will be a tough match, but we urge fans to come and support us like they do the men’s team Harambee Stars,” she said. “The squad has young new faces, and we are constantly pushing them as football is for everyone regardless of age.”
Starlets are aiming for their second appearance in the tournament in a decade, while Gambia, nicknamed “Scorpions”, seek their first qualification after unsuccessful attempts in 2018, 2022, and 2024.
“Wafcon offers invaluable exposure and a platform for players to impress top clubs,” goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who plays for Romanian Club Farul Constanta, said. As of yesterday, Odemba had not yet announced the final squad for the match. Yesterday’s training session included 23 of the 40 players from the provisional squad.
Notable names in the squad include goalkeepers Annedy Kundu, Awuor, and Mercy Akoth. The team’s backline will consist of Lorine Ilavonga, Ruth Ingosi, Tabitha Amoit, Shikobe, Enez Mango, Leah Andiema, and Vivian Nasaka.
Medina Abubakar, Corazone Aquino, Diana Wacera, Martha Amnyolet, Elizabeth Muteshi, Lavender Ann, and Fasilah Adhiambo will control the midfield.
The team’s attack will feature Mwanalima Adam, Tumaini Waliaula, Violet Nanjala, Elizabeth Wambui, Arine Madalina, and Catherine Khaemba.
The Kenyan girls concluded their training yesterday morning at Nyayo National Stadium, while the Scorpions arrived on Wednesday night and trained at the same venue yesterday evening.
Coached by Mariama Sowe, the West Africans finalised their 23-player squad last Sunday, and have six foreign-based players in the squad. Two of the team’s players are based in Senegal, with one each in Latvia, Spain, Estonia, and Russia. The remaining 18 are local-based players.
The Starlets reached the final stage of the qualifiers by defeating Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in February, drawing 0-0 in Nairobi and winning 1-0 in Sousse with an early goal thanks to striker Tereza Engesha.
Gambia advanced by defeating Niger 4-1 on aggregate with 2-0 and 2-1 wins in Niamey and Senegal, respectively.
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