Kenyans asked to turn up 'like they did for boys' as Harambee Starlets host Gambia in WAFCON Qualifier
.jpg)
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 21.10.25. | 19:03
The two legs stand in between Kenya's return to the WAFCON since 2016
Harambee Starlets defender Ruth Ingosi has asked Kenyan fans to replicate the support they have shown their male national football team counterparts - Harambee Stars - when they take on The Gambia in the first leg of the final round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers on Friday, 24 October.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
Ingosi, who plies her trade with Tanzanian side Simba Queens, wants the home fans to rock the Nyayo National Stadium for the 1600 EAT kickoff and lift the team as they look to make it to the WAFCON for the first time since their debut in 2016.
PSA: Kick-off imeenda 4PM EAT 🚨
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) October 21, 2025
Tunataka kuona kila msee kwa stands 😎
Ticket yako ndio access ya history, usibaki nyuma 🎟️#HarambeeStarlets #RoadToWAFCON pic.twitter.com/FLsvbjib73
“I want to urge our fans to turn up just like they did for the boys,” Ingose said, referring to the raucous atmosphere Harambee Stars have attracted at home, whether during August’s Africa Nations Championships (CHAN) or the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
“They [fans] should just come out in large numbers, and we will for sure not let them down.”
Ingosi, who has been with the squad for the better part of the camp, also expressed confidence in her team getting the win at home, which should give them a boost heading into the away return-leg in neutral Senegal on Tuesday, 28 October.
“We have been in camp for over three weeks now, and I believe the sessions we have done with our coaches will have us ready for the match,” she said.
“The morale in the team is high, and it is our expectation that we will get the business done before focusing on the second leg.”
Saudi-based forward Violet Nanjala, who linked up with the team early last week, sounded a similar message, saying: “We are now finalising our preparations - it is only two days left and we have done our part to be ready."
On facing a team that sits 16 places above Starlets, she added: “The game will not be easy, but we believe in the work that we have done, and also the big opportunity that lies in front of us when we win.”
With most global leagues taking a break, coach Beldine Odemba has this week been handed a boost with all of goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, Tumaini Waliaula, Mwanalima Adam and Dorcas Shikobe linking up with the squad.
