In Thiès, Senegal
Kenya's Harambee Starlets defeated The Gambia 1-0 on Tuesday, securing their place in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon).
The return leg was played at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, as The Gambia lacks a Caf-approved stadium.
The Kenyan girls won 4-1 on aggregate, having won the first leg 3-1 at home last Friday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Odemba made a channges to her starting 11 from the previous match against The Gambia in Nairobi last Friday, specifically focusing on the defensive line.
Vivian Nasaka was brought into the team, replacing Elizabeth Muteshi, and Tabitha Amoit also joined the lineup, taking Lorine Ilavonga's spot.
Lilian Awuor continued in her role as goalkeeper, providing stability between the posts. The experienced duo of Captain Ruth Ingosi and Enez Mango remained integral parts of the backline, offering leadership and defensive prowess.
The midfield saw Mwanahalima Jereko, Ann Akinyi, and Martha Emedot working. Upfront, the attacking trio consisted of Elizabeth Wambui, Sheylene Opisa, and Fasilah Adhiambo, tasked with the attack.
For Gambian squad, coach, Mariama Sowe made seven chances to the team. Goalkeeper Mary Gomez who started from the bench in Nairobi was in goal shielded by Juana Colley, Bintou Ceesay and Kaddy Jallow with Wuday Colley, Kouday Jallow, Kaddy Jattah and Manyima Stevemans in the midfield. Teanteh Cham, Jallow Kaddy, Jammeh Fatoumata and Jarju Sarah were in the attack.
Gambian coach Mariama Sowe made seven changes to the squad, including starting Mary Gomez in goal, replacing her Nairobi bench spot. The defense consisted of Juana Colley, Bintou Ceesay, and Kaddy Jallow.
Wuday Colley, Kouday Jallow, Kaddy Jattah, and Manyima Stevemans formed the midfield, while Teanteh Cham, Jallow Kaddy, Jammeh Fatoumata, and Jarju Sarah led the attack.
The first half of the match was not tightly contested, with both teams vying for dominance. It was The Gambia, however, who seemed to pose a greater threat, consistently testing the Kenyan defense and probing for weaknesses.
Despite their persistent efforts, Awuor remained vigilant in goal, thwarting their advances with well-timed saves and solid positioning.
The Gambian side was left to rue a series of missed scoring opportunities, ultimately failing to capitalize on their chances. Many of these opportunities stemmed from set-piece buy Ingosi, proved to be a formidable presence in the box, consistently heading away dangerous balls and neutralizing the Gambian threat.
A particularly heart-stopping moment for the Kenyan defense came in the 16th minute when Gambia's captain, Foutamata Minteh, unleashed a powerful long-range effort from outside the box. The shot had Awuor beaten, but narrowly sailed over the crossbar, sparing Kenya an early setback.
Kenya almost broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Opisa found herself in a promising position to give Kenya the lead, her shot failed to hit the target, leaving the scoreline unchanged.
Later, in the 35th minute, Amunyolletes' free kick looked destined for the goal, requiring a timely intervention from a Gambian defender who cleared the ball to safety.
Ultimately, the first half concluded without any significant goalmouth action for the Starlets, who struggled to mount sustained attacks and convert the limited chances they managed to create.
The Kenyan team needed to find a way to increase their attacking and pose more problems for the Gambian defense in the second half.
Kenya managed to break the deadlock in the 50th. Wambui's long ball from midfield into the Gambian penalty box caused confusion between the defenders and goalkeeper Gomez. Adam capitalised on the disarray, tapping the loose ball into the unguarded net to give Kenya the lead.
