Why Harambee Starlets' Mwanahalima 'Dogo' is Excited For Upcoming 2026 WAFCON 10 Years Since KCSE Denied Her History

Harambee Starlets winger Mwanahalima ‘Dogo’ Adam could not hide her excitement after Kenya sealed qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), marking the team’s first return to the continental stage in a decade.

For the diminutive yet dynamic attacker, the qualification carries deep personal meaning — a chance to finally live the dream she was denied in 2016 due to her national examinations.

“I thank God for the opportunity and I am grateful to both the federation and the technical bench who gave us ideal conditions to succeed,” Dogo said after the Starlets booked their WAFCON ticket.

“Now we have qualified, but the journey starts now. We are up against big teams, but by the time AFCON is approaching, we will be good.”

A decade ago, Dogo was part of the squad that made history by qualifying for Kenya’s first-ever WAFCON, but she was unable to participate as she sat for her Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams. That unfulfilled moment has stayed with her — until now.

“In 2016, I was with the team but unable to participate due to KCSE. Now I have a good opportunity. I thank God I helped the country. I want to thank the fans, Kenyans, and even the President for coming through for us with great motivation — it’s good for the girl child.”

The 26-year-old, who plies her trade with Danish side HB Køge after struggling in the USA for Kansas City, has been in sparkling form, using her consistent club performances to propel herself back into the national spotlight.

“It has really helped me because what I needed most was playing time,” she explained.

 “As a footballer, you always want to be on the pitch, and I knew to sustain my tempo I needed to play more. I’ve done so at Køge and even scored goals — that’s restored my confidence, and I’m glad I can now use it to help my national team as we prepare for WAFCON.”

Kenya’s qualification marks a symbolic moment for women’s football in the country. It is not only a return to the continental stage but also a statement of progress — a testament to resilience, structure, and belief.

 The Starlets last featured at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2016, when they made their debut under coach David Ouma. That tournament ended at the group stage after encounters with Ghana, Mali, and Nigeria, but it laid the foundation for a new era in the women’s game.

This year’s qualification run was equally inspiring. The Starlets obliterated Gambia 4-1 on aggregate to secure their ticket to Morocco. 

The current squad blends experience with youth, featuring seasoned internationals such as Corazone Aquino, Dorcas Shikobe and Dogo herself, alongside emerging local talents eager to make their mark.

The 2026 WAFCON also doubles as a qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which further raises the stakes.

 For Dogo, however, the tournament carries something deeper — personal redemption. Ten years after missing out because of school exams, she finally gets the opportunity to write her name in Kenya’s football history books.

“We’ve worked so hard to get here,” Dogo reflected. “But the real work begins now. We want to make Kenyans proud — and this time, I’ll be there to play my part.”