Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba has attributed the team’s qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to unity, spirit, faith, motivation, and support from fans.
Starlets booked their ticket to the continental showpiece after a 10-year absence, following a 4–1 aggregate triumph over The Gambia in the final round of qualifiers.
Harambee Starlets' Fasila Adhiambo (right) vies for the ball with Fatou Fatty of Gambia at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, on October 28, 2025, during their 2025 Women's Afcon qualifiers.
Photo credit: Pool
Ranked 149th in the world at the start of qualification, Starlets sealed their return on Tuesday evening with a 1–0 win over The Gambia (ranked 126th) in the second leg played at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal.
Mwanahalima Adam scored the decisive goal in the 50th minute, building on the 3–1 home victory at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, where Adam, Fasilah Adhiambo, and Sherlyne Opisa struck in the first half.
In the opening round, Kenya had stunned 78th-ranked Tunisia 1–0 on aggregate, thanks to Tereza Engesha’s early goal in February, setting up the second-round clash with The Gambia.
Harambee Starlets player Mwanalima Adam celebrates at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, on October 28, 2025, during their match against Gambia in a 2025 Women's Afcon qualifier.
Photo credit: Pool
Kenya now joins Morocco (hosts), Nigeria (defending champions), Zambia, Tanzania, Algeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, South Africa, Senegal, and debutants Malawi and Cape Verde at the 16th edition of WAFCON, to be staged from March 17 to April 3, 2026.
Overwhelmed with pride, Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba described the achievement as a national triumph.
“Coach Beldine Odemba didn’t win this, but the entire country did. I’m happy as a patriot that Kenya will participate in the 2026 WAFCON. I dedicate it to the Kenyan fans. It’s been a long time since we were there. Thank you for being with us,” she said after the match.
Odemba, who previously served as assistant to former head coach David Ouma, dedicated the milestone to her mentors.
“I dedicate this achievement to Coach David Ouma, whom I assisted on the bench. He always worked hard and checked on our progress. I also thank Coach Twahir Muhiddin, my mentor, who guides me daily,” she added.
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba during their 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers against Gambia at Nyayo National Stadium on October 24,2025.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation
Reflecting on the team’s resurgence, Odemba credited unity, teamwork, and faith.
“What stood out was the team’s unity, great spirit, and constant reminder of the 10-year wait. The girls were spirited, the technical bench was awesome, and we worked together. We thank God for coming through for us,” she noted.
The CAF A License holder urged early preparations and adequate support ahead of the continental finals.
“I request adequate for support from the Football Kenya Federation and the Ministry of Sports so we can start preparations early. We don’t just want to participate in WAFCON, we want compete. We need international friendlies, just like the Harambee Stars, as part of our preparations. We also wish we can start camp early to be more competitive,” Odemba appealed.
“Warm congratulations to our brilliant Harambee Starlets for their 1–0 victory over The Gambia, sealing a 4–1 aggregate triumph that books Kenya’s place at the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco. This decisive win is a glowing testament to the discipline, talent, and indomitable spirit of our women footballers and to the remarkable leadership of the technical bench,” read part of his message.
He added, “You have made Kenya immensely proud and reaffirmed our rise in women’s sports. As you march towards WAFCON, know that the entire nation celebrates you and is behind you. Na kama kawaida, nitacheza kama mimi. Hongera Starlets!”
President Ruto has been one of the team’s biggest supporters, fulfilling his financial pledges throughout the qualifiers. He awarded the squad Sh10 million after their home victory and pledged Sh1 million per player for Tuesday’s win in Senegal.
“I sincerely thank President William Ruto because the motivation worked,” acknowledged Odemba.
Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who plays for Farul Constanța in Romania, was elated to finally earn her chance to feature at the continental stage.
“The last time we were in WAFCON, I didn’t get to play. Now that I’ve contributed to the qualification, I’m overjoyed. We’re not just going to participate, but to show the world what we can do,” she said.
Veteran defender Dorcas Shikobe, assistant captain in 2016, echoed the joy and ambition.
“Playing on this big platform is every player’s dream and will open doors for young players. After 10 years, I thank God for the qualification. We didn’t want to disappoint the fans and have already shown the world what we can do,” she said.
The jubilant Starlets were expected to leave their hotel in Diamniadio on Wednesday morning and arrive in Nairobi early Thursday to a hero’s welcome.
The 2026 WAFCON will also serve as a qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four semi-finalists earning direct tickets and two additional teams heading to intercontinental playoffs.
