Millions Harambee Starlets Pocketed After Beating Gambia in 2026 WAFCON Qualifiers

Harambee Starlets players will smile all the way to the bank after pocketing a total of Ksh 10 million from President William Samoei Ruto following their victory over Gambia in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday evening.

The amount includes Ksh 5 million extended before kickoff as a motivation package and another Ksh 5 million for the home win — a double reward that reflects the government’s growing support for women’s football.

President Ruto’s message of encouragement was delivered by Principal Secretary, State Department for Sports, Elijah Mwangi, who represented him at the match. 

PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Sports News in Kenya from Pulse Sports

The President also announced further incentives: Ksh 2.5 million for a home draw, Ksh 1 million for each player if they win away and qualify, and Ksh 500,000 each if they draw away and still qualify.

“Kenya is home to exceptionally gifted footballers; players who are on first-name basis with the ball,” said Elijah Mwangi, conveying the President’s message of motivation before the game. 

“As a country, we have fully rallied behind this constellation of uniquely talented girls and expect them to showcase absolute excellence in football skills.”

He added that the Ksh 5 million motivation bonus had already been wired to the team to inspire them ahead of the game, noting that President Ruto’s directive was meant to energize and empower the players as they chase continental qualification.

The Starlets overcame a nightmare start when Sevilla forward Fatoumata Kanteh Cham gave the visitors an early lead inside two minutes, punishing a defensive mix-up by Lorine Ilavonga. But the hosts quickly regrouped to turn the tie around in style.

Mwanalima Adam equalized from the penalty spot in the ninth minute before Fasila Adhiambo unleashed a stunning long-range effort in the 19th minute to put Kenya in front. Rising star Shaylene Opisa, on her senior debut, added a composed finish in first-half stoppage time to round off a brilliant team goal.

The second half saw Beldine Odemba’s charges control the tempo, keeping Gambia at bay and preserving their two-goal cushion with confidence and poise.

After the final whistle, PS Mwangi congratulated the players on behalf of the President, confirming the release of an additional Ksh 5 million as a victory bonus. 

He urged them to maintain their fighting spirit as they head into the decisive away leg.

“The President has full confidence in you,” Mwangi told the team. 

“You have shown determination, skill, and teamwork — qualities that make Kenya proud. Keep this momentum; the best is yet to come.”

Harambee Starlets will now turn their attention to the return leg scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, at Stade Lat Dior in Thies, Senegal, where the aggregate winner will seal qualification to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.