Kenya’s Harambee Starlets will on Friday step onto the pitch with one mission: to edge past The Gambia’s Queen Scorpions in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Starlets, playing at home, are determined to seize early control of the two-legged tie that will determine who books a ticket to next year’s continental showpiece in Morocco. The stakes could not be higher, especially as this year’s WAFCON expands to 16 teams, opening new opportunities for nations looking to reclaim their continental presence.
Kenya’s journey to this stage has been marked by resilience and determination. The Starlets advanced after a hard-fought 1–0 victory away to Tunisia, a result that underscored their ability to dig deep under pressure. That triumph followed a goalless draw in Nairobi, and the team now aims to build on that momentum as they seek to make a long-awaited return to WAFCON, having last featured in the tournament in 2016.
Head coach Beldine Odemba has expressed confidence in her charges, citing improved cohesion and mental strength.
“The team has shown incredible character in previous matches. We know the task ahead, but the players are ready to fight for the flag,” she said earlier this week.
The Gambia, on the other hand, arrive in Nairobi buoyed by belief and preparation. The Queen Scorpions have named a 23-player squad that blends local talent with Europe-based stars, including Sevilla forward Fatoumata Kanteh, a player widely regarded as the heartbeat of the Gambian attack. Team officials have hinted at a cautious but confident approach, saying they have “done their homework” ahead of the tie.
For the Starlets, forward Violet Nanjala and defender Ruth Ingosi are expected to play pivotal roles. Nanjala’s sharp movement and finishing could be Kenya’s key weapon, while Ingosi’s experience at the back will be crucial in containing Kanteh’s threat.
Tactically, Kenya is expected to dominate possession, relying on quick transitions and width to stretch the Gambian defence. The visitors, in contrast, are likely to sit deep, absorb pressure, and launch counters through Kanteh’s pace and creativity. With the first leg at home, Odemba’s side will be eager to establish a lead without conceding an away goal, a balance that could define the tie.
Fans can expect an intense and disciplined battle, with midfield control likely to determine the outcome. Both teams know the importance of composure and concentration, especially with so much at stake in the first leg.
The Starlets head into the game as slight favourites, buoyed by home support and recent form. A narrow 1–0 or 2–1 win would give them a valuable advantage heading into the return leg in Banjul. However, Gambia’s growing confidence and attacking edge make them dangerous opponents capable of springing surprises.
Regardless of the result, Friday’s encounter promises to be a gripping contest between two sides hungry for continental glory. For Kenya, it is not just a qualifier; it is a statement of resurgence, a bid to return to the continental stage where they once stood among Africa’s elite.
Read: Harambee Starlets Have Shown Potential; The Difficult Part is Maintaining Their Form
>>> Kasarani Teams Get Sh5 Million SportPesa Sponsorship
Leave a comment