Sevilla star reveals her source of inspiration ahead of Gambia’s WAFCON qualifier against Kenya
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 24.10.25. | 11:09
Kanteh, one of the key figures in the Gambian side, has been instrumental in helping the Scorpions reach this decisive stage
Sevilla attacker Fatoumata Kanteh has opened up on her motivation and national pride as The Gambia prepares to face Kenya’s Harambee Starlets in the final qualifying round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
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The two nations meet in the first leg today, Friday, October 24, at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, with kickoff set for 4:00 p.m.
The return leg will be played next week in Senegal, where Gambia will seek to seal their first-ever qualification for the continental showpiece.
Kanteh, one of the key figures in the Gambian side, has been instrumental in helping the Scorpions reach this decisive stage.
Speaking ahead of the clash, the Spanish-born forward underlined her determination to guide her country to a historic WAFCON debut.
“The motivation is always to win,” Kanteh said. “I have come here because I have never played in that tournament (WAFCON). We want to win the first leg here in Kenya and the second leg in Senegal.
It is not going to be an easy match. Kenya wants to qualify, and we also want the same. We have prepared very well and are going to give a fight.”
Born and raised in Spain, Kanteh developed her career in the European system, featuring for clubs such as Villarreal before earning her move to Sevilla.
Despite her Spanish upbringing, she chose to represent her father’s homeland, The Gambia, a decision she says was driven by love and identity.
“I chose Gambia because it’s my father’s country,” she explained. “I love playing for this country, and I am now looking forward to leading the nation to its first-ever WAFCON in Morocco.”
The 28-year-old forward also revealed her football inspiration, citing Gambian international Yankubah Minteh, who is currently shining in Europe, as her role model.
“In the men’s team, I would say Yankubah Minteh. Mainly because we play in the same position, and he is doing really well at both club and national level for us.”
Having spent much of her career in Europe, Kanteh has had to adapt her game to the African style of play.
She acknowledged the contrast between the two football cultures but embraced the challenge of blending both approaches.
“It is very different. African football and European football are quite different,” she noted. “It’s now about adapting. When I come here, I play as an African because I have to connect with my teammates and be on the same level.”
