‘You have made us proud’ – Ruto hails Kenya WAFCON qualification

Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto has congratulated the women’s national team Harambee Starlets after they sealed their second return to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to be held in Morocco.

Starlets under coach Beldine Odemba qualified on a 4-1 aggregate win against Gambia after beating the West African nation home and away. Kenya won the first leg 3-1 in Nairobi before completing a double with a 1-0 win in the return leg at the Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal.

Kenya defended well during the first half denying Gambia a chance to score, and sealed the game in the 52nd minute when Mwanalima Adam headed home for a 1-0 scoreline.

Below is the congratulatory message from Ruto;

“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 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.”

Kenya last participated in WAFCON 2016, which was their first ever, in Cameroon, where they concluded group matches without a win. Starlets were pooled in Group B alongside Nigeria, who eventually won the title, Mali, and Ghana.

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