Huge financial reward, WAFCON spot at stake as Harambee Starlets tackle Gambia
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Reading Time: 3min | Tue. 28.10.25. | 09:04
Gambia are hosting the clash in Senegal due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium at home
Harambee Starlets are 90 minutes away from booking a place at next year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Kenya will seal qualification if they see off The Gambia in the final-round return leg, set for tonight at Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 pm ( East African Time).
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Gambia are hosting the clash in Senegal due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium at home.
They face a tough task after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Kenya in the first leg played on Friday at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Goals from Mwanahalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, and Shirleen Opisa gave Starlets a firm advantage, ahead of the second leg.
Beldine Odemba’s charges dominated the first leg despite conceding early.
They recovered with composure, created several scoring chances, and showed maturity throughout the contest.
The team traveled to Senegal on Saturday to fine-tune their preparations and adapt to the conditions ahead of what is arguably Kenya’s most important women’s football match in years.
Qualification would mark a historic return for Starlets, who last featured at WAFCON in 2016.
Since then, Kenya have come close on several occasions but fallen short of making it back to the continental stage.
The players have an extra incentive to deliver, with President William Ruto pledging Ksh 1 million to each player if they win and qualify, and Ksh 500,000 if they draw and still secure progression.
Speaking ahead of the decisive tie, coach Odemba said the financial promise has boosted morale in the camp.
“It was not part of the preparation, but motivation always has a positive impact on the team. Players are always playing for something. If they receive a promise from the 001, it’s a significant development, and they are also looking forward to it,” she stated.
Odemba also revealed that her players are driven by the desire to end nearly a decade of absence from the continental stage.
“It has been nine years, and it will be ten by 2026 when the WAFCON takes place. There is that urge and hunger to qualify. Most of the time, they always say that to be a champion, you need to have champions in your team,” she added.
On the other hand, Gambia’s assistant coach Omar Cham has warned Kenya against celebrating early, insisting that the tie is far from over.
“It was an away match, and in any final, the game is still wide open. We have 90 minutes to play again, and remember we have one away goal. It will be a do-or-die match in Senegal at our home ground,” Cham warned.
He further expressed confidence that his team can turn the tie around.
“No one should lie to you that the game is done. A 3-1 result is one we can overturn. We will work on our mistakes and get ready. Kenya should not expect it to be easy—it will be a tough game. My players will fight for every ball and make sure we add to our away goal,” he concluded.
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