Why it is not yet celebration moment for Harambee Starlets

 

“It’s not over until it’s done,” those were the sentiments of Harambee Starlets forward Mwanahalima Adam after their 3-1 win against Gambia in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) third-round qualifier match.

And yes, it's not over for the 90 minutes that stand between Harambee Starlets and their ticket to Morocco for the 2026 continental showpiece.

Starlets, who are looking to secure their return to the African stage after nine years in the cold, face a daunting task this Tuesday when they take on Gambia’s Queen Scorpions in the second leg away in Senegal.

Starlets coach Beldine Odemba shoulders the responsibility of guiding the side since her decisions will make or break the country’s Wafcon dream.

Odemba got it right with her selection during the first leg played on Friday at Nyayo Stadium, and she must also be on point away to get the job done.

Her choice of experienced as well as young and promising players in the final squad bore fruit, leading to an advantage going into the return leg.

Odemba revealed that integrating younger players in the senior team is a move to secure the future of women’s football in the country.

“I’ve been saying this time and again that we are incorporating younger players in the senior team to make sure that we make the future of Kenyan women football bright and ready,” Odemba said.

She displayed her trust in the younger players by not including them in the final squad but also having them in the starting 11.

Odemba started Ulinzi Starlets defender Lorine Ilavonga in place of the more experienced duo of Dorcas Shikobe, who plays in Greece for Sirines of Grevena, and Vivian Nasaka of Turkish side Hakkarigucuspor.

Kenya Under-20 Rising Starlets captain Fasila Adhiambo and Elizabeth Muteshi were also included in the first 11, with Simba Queens midfielder and Starlets regular Corazon Aquino starting on the bench.

Ilavonga’s steady growth and transition from the Under-17 national team Junior Starlets to Rising Starlets and now the senior side is a true testament of Odemba’s long-term plan.

Shaylene Opisa of Uganda’s Amus College also impressed and even scored Kenya’s third goal. She was industrious upfront, troubling the Gambian defence for the better part of the match.

Captain Ruth Ingotsi was also brilliant in her leadership, ensuring that Kenya recovered from a wobbly start that saw them concede a goal early in the match. Long-serving players Enez Mango and Elizabeth Wambui also proved that they still have much to offer.

Odemba revealed that though they have a two-goal advantage, she expected her charges to score more goals based on the chances created for a better advantage.

“It’s a good thing we are playing in a neutral field. It’s also a good thing that we have a two-goal cushion, it’s not what we really wanted because we wanted to have a better cushion, but we have to prepare well and ensure that we qualify," said Odemba.