Gambia v Kenya: Beldine Odemba's Predicted Line Up as Harambee Starlets One Match Away From 2026 WAFCON

The Harambee Starlets are just one step away from making history as they prepare to face Gambia in the second leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie. After a commanding 3-1 victory at Nyayo Stadium, Beldine Odemba’s side head into the return leg full of confidence but aware that the job is far from done.

The stakes could not be higher — Kenya have not qualified for the continental showpiece since 2016, and a strong performance away from home would seal their long-awaited return.

Here’s how Odemba is expected to line up for this crucial decider in Senegal.

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Lilian Onyango is quickly establishing herself as the country’s first choice goalkeeper, having successfully managed to keep the perfectly capable Annedy Kudu on the bench during the qualifying campaign.

She made crucial saves during the previous away leg against Tunisia in March, and will be heavily counted on for this clash with Kenya seeking to finally break their duck from the last four tournaments.

Elizabeth Miteshi was given the nod to start at right back in the absence of Janet Mumo against Gambia, and did not really put a foot wrong during the match. She will be expected to support Elizabeth Wambui in attack while also providing cover in defensive situations.

Enez Mango has proven herself a reliable option at left back, and it is highly likely she will maintain her place, replicating what Elizabeth will do on the right.

One of the most experienced members of the squad, Ruth Ingosi was handed the captain’s armband in the previous game, and will be expected to start again. Her reading of the game, as well as her ball playing ability will be crucial as Kenya seek to maintain as much possession as possible while building attacks from the back in line with Beldine Odemba’s vision.

Dorcas Sikobe started on the bench against Gambia in the first leg, with Beldine Odemba opting to start young Lorine Ishelia at center back, but she made a mistake that led to their opening goal at Nyayo Stadium.

With qualification on the line, it is highly likely Odemba will go for the experienced Shikobe.

Lavender Akinyi will get the nod to start in central midfield alongside Martha Amunyolet, and her high volume passing could be key to helping Kenya control the game from start to finish as they seek to protect their slender two goal advantage.

Martha Amunyolet’s ability to make late runs from deep helped Kenya get the win in the first leg, especially for the third goal, when she made that intelligent dart forward to get on the end of a long ball from deep by Ruth Ingosi, before setting up Shalyne Opisa for the third goal.

Fasila Adhiambo’s versatility, pace and clinical nature is something Beldine Odemba values very much, and she repaid the faith invested in her with the second goal during the 3-1 win. 

Her combination upfront with Shalyne Opisa was key to the win, and Odemba will likely keep that partnership going.

Mwanahalima Adam’s ability to create overloads in half spaces from wide areas has been crucial in helping Kenya get vital wins, and even for Opisa’s goal, it was her movement into these areas that created space for the eventual goal. She will likely start on the left wing again for the clash.

Elizabeth Wambui’s ability to stretch the play with her pace, as well as provide exquisite crosses from the right wing could be crucial and key to winning the game.

Shalyne Opisa netted the third and winning goal in the first leg, with her movement a pain in the neck for the Gambia defenders. With Kenya likely to apply a counter-attacking approach, her pace might likely exploit the Scorpion’s defenders.

The Harambee Starlets head into the clash with confidence and belief, knowing that a positive result will earn them a return to the continental stage for the first time in nearly a decade.

Odemba’s blend of experience and youthful exuberance has brought new life to the squad — and with the finish line in sight, Kenya will look to write a new chapter in women’s football history come full time in Senegal.