Kenya sealed a long-awaited return after beating Gambia 4-1 on aggregate. Having won the first leg 3-1 in Nairobi, Kenya defeated the Queen Scorpions 1-0 away to join 11 other nations ahead of the African tournament, which will serve as a qualifier for 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Apart from Kenya, other nations that secured tickets include hosts Morocco, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Nigeria, who will be there to defend their continental title won earlier this year, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Zambia.
During the 2016 edition, Harambee Starlets did not have the best of a tournament. Pooled in Group B alongside Nigeria, Mali, and Ghana, the East African nation returned home from Cameroon without a single win.
Kenya lost all group matches in Cameroon
With the Morocco ticket already confirmed, Kenya coach Beldine Odemba could not hide the disappointment from the 2016 edition. Odemba has promised an improved performance in the North African nation adding they will go there to compete and not to participate.
“We must ensure we prepare adequately, we don’t want to go as participants, we want to go there (Morocco), and compete with the best,” Odemba said after the Gambia game. “We know what happened in Cameroon, we must double our efforts, and make it better in Morocco.”
Kenya faced Ghana’s Black Queens losing 3-1 in the opener. The only goal was scored by Esse Akida. The second game against Mali ended in a 3-1 defeat with Cheris Avilia finding a consolation for the Starlets. Kenya lost their final group fixture 4-0 against the Super Falcons.
Odemba’s sentiments were echoed by goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, who said, “I don’t know what to say, I am very happy for finally returning to WAFCON, we fought for this ticket, from the start, and I am happy we have achieved it.
“We are going to Morocco not to participate but to show we can also do it, we will do everything to improve our last appearance. We want to go there and win matches, we will not travel as tourists.”
Meanwhile, Odemba refused to take credit for qualifying Kenya insisting the success was achieved through teamwork. When Kenya qualified for the 2016 edition, they were under coach David Ouma.
“It is not about me, it is about the country,” said Odemba. “The country has qualified after nine good years, Beldine (Odemba) coached, but Odemba didn’t qualify, Kenya qualified for the 2026 WAFCON.
“I am sure the country is happy, I am also happy, as a patriot of my country, and this is for football fans, but at home.”
On what helped Kenya to beat Gambia home and away, Odemba said: “Unity in the team, great spirits, I keep on saying this again, it was also the time, it has been nine years, so we kept on reminding ourselves it has been nine years, how long can we wait.
“The girls were really spirited, the technical bench was awesome, we worked together as a team, but I thank God so much because he came through for us as a country, and as a team.”
President Ruto congratulates Harambee Starlets
In a statement issued from State House, Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto hailed Starlets for their latest achievement and for making Kenyans proud.
“Warm congratulations to our brilliant Harambee Starlets for their 1-0 victory over Gambia, sealing a 4-1 aggregate triumph that books Kenya’s place at the 2026 WAFCON Morocco,” read the statement from the Head of State.
“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. You have made Kenya immensely proud and reaffirmed Kenya’s rise in women’s sports.
“As you march toward WAFCON, know that the entire nation celebrates you and is behind you.”
The final phase of the competition is structured into three groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the quarter-finals, along with the two best third-placed teams. From this stage, the competition will adopt a knockout format leading up to the final, where the winner will be crowned.
