President William Ruto has thrown his support behind the Harambee Starlets team ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers match against Gambia at Nyayo Stadium.
Speaking in a video call with the Harambee Starlets team on Friday, October 24, morning, Ruto said he has asked Kenyans to come and support the team during the match.
“Now know that the whole of Kenya is standing with you. It’s been about nine years, and today it's the WAFCON qualifiers at Nyayo Stadium at 4 PM.
"I have told all Kenyans to mobilize and come support you. We want to shake up that Nyayo Stadium. Make us proud, we are right behind you,” said President Ruto.
The Head of State also promised to reward the Harambee Starlets team if they win the match.
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“You know me, if you play your part, I will be right here to also play mine,” Ruto added.
The Starlets will play against Gambia in the first leg of the final round of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers.
The reverse fixture will be played on Tuesday, October 28, at the Stade Lat Dior in Dakar, Senegal.
The aggregate winner of the two matches will qualify for the WAFCON tournament, which will be held in Morocco from March 17, 2026, to April 3, 2026.
The Harambee Starlets are eyeing to return to WAFCON after nearly nine years. On the other hand, Gambia is eyeing its first appearance in the tournament.
This is the first time Kenya is facing Gambia in an international fixture. The starlets are hoping to capitalize on home support to secure a win ahead of the return leg.
Speaking on Thursday, Harambee Starlets Coach Beldine Odemba said they will work to capitalize on the weaknesses of the Gambia team during the match.
“We have watched their last two matches against Niger and we have seen how they approach their matches we have worked well to see we capitalize on their weaknesses and make sure they are not able to bring their strong points,” said Odemba.
