'The Game Is Not Yet Over' - Gambia Forward Reveals How Queen Scorpions Plan to Halt Harambee Starlets' WAFCON Bid

Gambia's national women's team forward, Ola Buwaro, remains optimistic that her side can still make history, even as they face a two-goal deficit in their bid to qualify for their first-ever Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

The Queen Scorpions fell 3-1 to Kenya's Harambee Starlets in the first leg of the final qualifying round at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

They were off to a great start as Gambian striker and captain, Fatoumata Kanteh, opened the scoring for the visitors just three minutes into the game. The goal came after Kanteh capitalised on a defensive error to give Gambia a shock lead.

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However, the Harambee Starlets quickly regrouped and began their fightback, scoring three goals, all in the first half. Mwanalima Adam levelled the scores from the penalty spot in the 12th minute.

Fasila Adhiambo put Kenya ahead in the 19th minute with a powerful solo effort, with Shalyne Opisa extending the lead just before the halftime whistle, securing a commanding 3-1 advantage.

The second half saw both teams create chances, but neither could find the back of the net, solidifying the 3-1 scoreline in favour of Kenya.

To secure their place in the tournament, Gambia must win the return leg by at least two clear goals, but Harambee Starlets will not be looking to give them an easy run.

Speaking to Telecomasia.net, the Lokomotiv Moscow striker insisted that the crucial away goal scored in Kenya gives the team the belief they need to overturn the result.

"This game is not yet over. It is still 50-50. We scored one goal away from home, and we can score many more at home. We learnt something about Kenya and now we know how to better take them on because we know their strengths and weaknesses," she said.

Ola Buwaro emphasised the team's self-belief and determination to achieve a landmark qualification for their country.

"We believe in ourselves and we believe we can make history. We have the ability and we just need to take our chances and ensure Kenya does not score," she added.

Due to a lack of approved international venues in Gambia, the team will host the decisive second leg in the neutral territory of Senegal.