Gambia vs Kenya: Preview, Odds, Team News, Lineups, Prediction as Harambee Starlets Seek Historic WAFCON Slot

Harambee Starlets hold a strong advantage heading into the second leg against The Gambia, putting them on the cusp of a historic WAFCON 2026 qualification.

Harambee Starlets are on the brink of making history, needing just a draw or a win in the second leg of their final 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against The Gambia on Tuesday, October 28.

After a thrilling 3-1 victory in the first leg in Nairobi, Harambee Starlets carry a crucial two-goal advantage into the decisive return fixture.

This match, which will be played at the neutral Stade Lat Dior in Thiès, Senegal, promises to be a tense affair as Kenya aims for only its second-ever appearance at the continental showpiece, while The Gambia fights for a historic maiden qualification.

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For coach Beldine Odemba's side, a positive result will secure their place at WAFCON 2026 in Morocco, marking a triumphant return to the top tier of African women's football after an eight-year absence.

Gambia vs Harambee Starlets: Preview

Harambee Starlets took a significant step towards qualification with their 3-1 first-leg win, a performance that showcased both their resilience and their attacking prowess.

After falling behind to an early third-minute goal from the Spain-based Fatoumata Kanteh, the Kenyan team quickly rallied.

Goals from the penalty spot by the veteran Mwanahalima Adam, a brilliant solo effort from Fasila Adhiambo, and a decisive strike by Shalyen Opisa before half-time secured the two-goal cushion.

The second leg sees the pressure shift to The Gambia, who must win by a margin of 2-0 to qualify on the away goals rule, or by three goals to win outright.

Their coach, Mariama Sowe, will be looking to their foreign-based players, particularly Kanteh, to deliver a spectacular performance.

The Gambian side has to overcome the dual challenges of a two-goal deficit and playing their 'home' match on neutral territory in Senegal due to the lack of a CAF-approved stadium in their country.

For Kenya, the strategy will likely be to manage the game, control the midfield, and leverage their lead. A resolute defensive display is paramount, but the Starlets possess enough attacking talent to punish The Gambia on the counter.

The memory of their sole WAFCON appearance in 2016, where they were eliminated in the group stage, serves as both motivation to qualify and a lesson on the level of competition they must prepare for.

Gambia vs Harambee Starlets: Team News

The Harambee Starlets squad is in high spirits, boosted by the first-leg victory and significant financial incentives promised by the government should they qualify. Key to their success will be the performance of the goal-scorers.

Mwanahalima Adam (Simba Queens, Tanzania) remains the team's creative heartbeat and penalty specialist, while Fasila Adhiambo and Shalyen Opisa provide the goal-scoring threat.

In defence, the team will need veteran leadership from Dorcas Shikobe. Goalkeeper Lilian Awuor (Farul Constanța, Romania) will be key in organising the backline and providing crucial saves under pressure, particularly after being caught out for the early Gambian goal in the first leg.

Coach Beldine Odemba is expected to stick close to the line-up that secured the first-leg win, focusing on midfield control through players like Corazone Aquino.

For The Gambia, their hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of the goal-scorer Fatoumata Kanteh. Their coach, Mariama Sowe, might make tactical adjustments to ensure a more impactful start and sustain pressure throughout the match.

The Gambians were also affected by an injury to their first-choice goalkeeper, Aminata Gaye, in the first leg, which could necessitate a reliance on their second-choice keeper, Mary Gomes, for this critical fixture.

The West African side will be banking on an improved performance from their midfield and defence to stifle Kenya's counters.

Gambia vs Harambee Starlets: Predicted Lineups

The Gambia (4-3-3): Mary Gomes; Ruggy Joof, Fatou Sonko, Aminata Camara, Bintou Ceesay; Fatou Fatty, Penda Bah, Ola Buwaro; Mbassey Darboe, Adama Tamba, Fatoumata Kanteh.

Kenya (4-3-3): Lilian Awuor; Lorine Ilavonga, Dorcas Shikobe, Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango; Corazone Aquino, Martha Emedot, Medina Abubakar; Fasila Adhiambo, Mwanahalima Adam, Shalyen Opisa.

Gambia vs Harambee Starlets: Odds

Given Kenya's two-goal advantage from the first leg, the odds still favour the Harambee Starlets to advance to the WAFCON finals.

However, with the match being played on neutral ground, a significant difference in match-day odds between the two teams is not expected, reflecting the competitive nature of a one-off final-round qualifier. Based on historical data for teams holding a two-goal lead, Kenya's qualification odds are extremely favourable.

A draw or a narrow win for either side is highly likely. The odds will show The Gambia as a slight favourite to win on the day, given their desperation for a victory, but the most value might be on a draw.

Gambia vs Harambee Stars: Betting Tip

Given The Gambia’s need to score and Kenya’s ability to counter, backing Both Teams to Score (BTTS) presents a high-value option.

Gambia vs Harambee Starlets: Prediction

Despite The Gambia's desperate need for goals, Harambee Starlets' resilience and two-goal buffer should see them through. Kenya's quick recovery after conceding first in the opening leg speaks to their mental fortitude under coach Odemba.

The Starlets will be keen to avoid any complacency, but their experience, particularly from players like Adam and Awuor, should help them manage the game effectively.

The Gambian side will launch an aggressive attack from the first whistle, but the Starlets' defensive organisation is expected to hold, frustrating the West Africans.

Kenya is likely to score at least one goal on the counter, which would effectively kill the tie and force The Gambia to score at least three more to qualify.