Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam is eager to make her mark at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) in Morocco, which is scheduled for March 17 to April 3.
The 28-year-old, who was not able to participate in the 2016 edition of Wafcon in Cameroon, was key part of coach Beldine Odemba’s squad during the qualifying matches for next year’s tournament.
Her contribution was instrumental in securing Kenya’s spot in the tournament. Adam scored two crucial goals against Gambia in the first leg of the final round of qualifiers. Kenya beat the visitors 3-1 in Nairobi.
She then scored the decisive lone goal in the second leg in Thiès, Senegal, securing a narrow but important 1-0 win for the Starlets. This victory propelled them to the tournament in Morocco with a 4-1 aggregate win.
This will be the second time that Kenya’s national women’s soccer team will compete in Wafcon. The Starlets last qualified for the tournament ten years ago.
“Playing in Wafcon is very special to me,” Adam said, reflecting on her journey.
She recalled her experience in 2016: “Unfortunately, I was unable to travel with the team because of my Form Four exams.”
Harambee Starlets captain Mwanahalima Adam wheels away in celebration after scoring the opening goal during their 2022 African Women's Cup of Nations qualifying match against South Sudan at Nyayo National Stadium on October 23, 2021. Kenya won 7-1 to advance to the next stage on 15-1 aggregate.
Photo credit: Sila Kiplagat | Nation Media Group
She added, “I was faced with two very difficult choices. I really wanted to play in Wafcon, but my exams were also important.”
A graduate of St John’s Kaloleni Girls High School in Kilifi County, she massively contributed to Kenya’s qualification for the event in Cameroon. At the time, the Starlets were coached by David Ouma. They overcame Algeria in a thrilling match, tying 3-3 on aggregate, and ultimately qualifying based on the away goals rule.
The Starlets secured a 2-2 draw away in Algeria, with Adam contributing to the scoreline. They later came from behind in Nairobi to force a 1-1 draw in Nairobi. Kenya’s goal was scored by defender Enez Mango.
“This is undoubtedly the moment for Kenyans to shine on the grand stage of African football,” said Adam.
Adam, who played for the now-defunct Thika Queens and Hakkarigücü Spor of Turkey, currently plays for HB Koge of Denmark. She is on loan from the Kansas City Current in the United States.
The loan move has given her more playing opportunities, providing her with experience she brought to the Harambee Starlets.
Harambee Starlets forward Mwanahalima Adam (left) battles for the ball with Equatorial Guinea's Cecilia Akeng during their 2018 African Women’s Cup of Nations final round qualifying first leg match at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos County on June 6, 2018. PHOTO | FILE |
“Where I am now gives me the valuable opportunity to play regularly. This was not always the case in the United States,” said Adam, highlighting the importance of consistent playing time.
“I am now the ‘Dogo’ that people know. My form is on point,” she said, beaming with renewed confidence ahead of the event.
“Sometimes, it’s not just about the money, the size, or the reputation of the club. It’s about finding the opportunity to play,” Adam said, emphasising the importance of playing time in a footballer’s career.
Like Adam, Mango participated in the 2016 Wafcon qualifiers but was unable to travel to Cameroon.
Defender Dorcas Shikobe, midfielder Corazone Aquino, and goalkeeper Lilian Awuor are the only remaining Harambee Starlets players from the squad that played in Cameroon.
“This time around, we understand the importance of thorough preparation,” Adam said, drawing from lessons learned during previous tournaments.
“We are also immensely grateful that President William Ruto has recognised the girl child. This recognition serves as powerful motivation for us,” Adam said.
The 12 teams that have qualified for Wafcon are: Morocco (hosts, fifth appearance), Zambia (fifth), Tanzania (third), Malawi (first), Algeria (seventh), Nigeria (defending champions, sixteenth), Ghana (fourteenth), Burkina Faso (second), Kenya (second), Cape Verde (first), South Africa (fourteenth), and Senegal (fourth).
The four semifinalists will automatically qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, which will be held from June 24 to July 25.
