Jubilation as Kenyans react to Harambee Starlets Women's AFCON qualification after 10 years
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 29.10.25. | 14:11
With the qualification, Kenya returns to the continental tourney, 10 years since their maiden appearance in 2016
The Kenya senior women's national football team, Harambee Starlets, booked a place in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), much to the joy of Kenyans.
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Kenya qualified after brushing aside The Gambia courtesy of a 4-1 aggregate win; a 3-1 victory in the first leg played on Friday, 24 October and a 1-0 victory on Tuesday, 28 October, in the second and final preliminary round.
With the qualification, Kenya returns to the continental tourney, 10 years since their maiden appearance in 2016.
Starlets' faithful, on the other hand, talked to Mozzart Sport directly and also issued their remarks on social media after the historic achievement.
Maimuna Omar heaped praise on Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba.
“Beldine is a true testament of what women can do when they are empowered. After 10 years, it was a woman coach who overcame some of the best teams on the continent to take us to WAFCON. For this, she deserves her flowers.
Her strategy and team set up over the two legs was excellent. The home win was particularly crucial for our progress. Let the girls now show the continent what Kenya is made up of,” Omar told Mozzart Sport.
Omar’s sentiments were similar to those of Emily Amimo.
“I am really happy for Beldine. Her rise from an understudy in men's football, especially at Mathare United, to a powerhouse in women's football is impressive.
The work that she did at Kenya Police Bullets FC and the national team’s performance leading up to this qualification is great. I believe she will give a good account of herself at WAFCON,” she stated.
On X (formerly Twitter), Elizabeth Wasio noted the growth of women's football over the past few years.
“There is a general rise in the growth of women's football in the country. We had the U17 team qualify for the World Cup, the first by any Kenyan football side, and now the senior team is back to WAFCON after 10 years. Congratulations to everyone involved,” she posted.
Edwin Kipkoech, on his part, singled out a few of the players who were crucial in the team’s progress.
“The goalkeeper (Lilian Awuor) was, to me, the best player in our qualification journey. She was calm between the posts and made crucial saves that gave assurances to the team that they could rely on her.
Dogo (Mwanalima Adam) was above the rest in midfield, while Corazone’s (Aquino) experience also came in handy. The new members, like Kamama (Fasila Adhiambo), also played their part.”
On the Harambee Starlets Facebook page, Lasty Ogendo credited the team’s success to the motivation by President William Ruto, comparing Kenya to English side Newcastle United.
“William Samoei Ruto, thank you, President. For the record, when Newcastle United was sold to Arabs, they pumped in resources, players got motivated, and they started to play like prime Barcelona. Look at us now.
Africans are waking up to Kenyan football; we are hitting headlines all over the continent, our teams are doing great. Continue giving the incentives. We belong here, let talent pay. Thank you Kiongozi.”
President Ruto also congratulated the team, assuring players of the Ksh1 million he promised to each of them should they win and qualify.
“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 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
This decisive win is a glowing testament to the discipline, talent, and indomitable spirit of our women's 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.
Kama kawaida, nitacheza kama mimi. (As usual, I will do my part). Hongera Starlets!”
The 2026 WAFCON will be held from 17 March 2026 to 3 April 2026 in Morocco.
