Comeback Queens: Harambee Starlets Overcome Early Scare to Beat Gambia 3–1

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets took a huge step toward qualifying for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after securing a 3–1 win over The Gambia at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday afternoon.

The Starlets bounced back strongly after going behind early in the match. Gambia’s Fatoumata Kanteh, who plays for Spanish side Sevilla FC, opened the scoring in the 3rd minute. But Kenya responded almost immediately through Mwanalima Adam Jereko, who converted from the penalty spot in the 8th minute after a foul inside the box. Adam, currently playing for HB Køge in Denmark on loan from KC Current of the NWSL (USA), showed her class with a calm finish into the top right corner.

Kenya took the lead in the 19th minute through Fasila Adhiambo, the Simba Queens midfielder who recently joined the Tanzanian champions from Ulinzi Starlets. Adhiambo produced a moment of brilliance—picking up the ball at the edge of the box, shrugging off two defenders, and curling a powerful shot into the left corner of the net to send the Nyayo crowd into celebration.

Just before halftime, Shalyne Opisa of Amus College (Uganda) added the third goal after a well-orchestrated move that began with a long pass from captain Ruth Ingosi. Martha Amunyolete redirected it into Opisa’s path, who finished confidently from close range to make it 3–1 at the break.

In the second half, Kenya continued to dominate possession and create chances, with Gambia forced to make an early substitution after their goalkeeper Aminata Gaye was stretchered off and replaced by Mary Gomez. Despite several late opportunities, the score remained unchanged, giving Kenya a crucial two-goal cushion ahead of the return leg.

Before the match, President William Ruto had met the team and rewarded them with KES 5 million as motivation. He further promised KES 5 million for a home win and an additional KES 1 million each if the team secures a victory in the return leg, or KES 500,000 each for a draw.

The second leg will be played on Tuesday in Thies, Senegal, where The Gambia will host the match due to the unavailability of a CAF-approved home stadium.

With the aggregate advantage, Harambee Starlets are now just 90 minutes away from sealing a return to the WAFCON — ten years after their last appearance in 2016.