FKF Rallies Fans Ahead of Harambee Starlets’ Crucial Clash with Gambia
FKF President Hussein Mohamed and Grenada Football Association President Marlon Glean display a Jessy before the media. (Photo By Mwakwaya Raymond)
By The COAST Team
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohamed has called on Kenyan fans to rally behind the national women’s football team as they prepare to face The Gambia in the first leg of the final qualifying round for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Speaking in Mombasa on Thursday, October, Mohamed exuded confidence in the team’s readiness and called for massive fan turnout.
“Our girls in the national team play The Gambia in Nairobi tomorrow, we are asking our fans to come out in large numbers to support our national team, we are optimistic that they will post good results after training hard,” he said.
The FKF boss assured supporters that preparations for the big day are complete, and the team is in top form to defend their home turf.
Kenya’s journey to this decisive stage has been nothing short of inspiring.
Earlier this year, the Starlets stunned Tunisia with a 1–0 away win in Sousse on February 26, 2025, courtesy of a well-taken early strike from Tereza Engesha.
That result set them up perfectly for this make-or-break encounter against The Gambia.
Under the guidance of head coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets are just two matches away from securing their second-ever appearance at WAFCON.
Their only previous qualification came nine years ago, under coach David Ouma, when they advanced past Algeria on the away goals rule after a 2–2 draw in Algiers and a 1–1 draw in Nairobi.
This time, the Kenyan queens face a determined The Gambian side eager to make history by booking their maiden qualification.
The winner of the two-legged tie will join 15 other teams in Morocco for next year’s continental finals.
Inside the camp, morale is sky-high. Odemba’s squad of 38 players has been in training for three weeks, fine-tuning tactics and sharpening fitness levels.
Simba Queens defender Ruth Ingosi believes the team is ready for the task ahead, saying the players are confident and focused on delivering a positive result.
Mohamed also took the opportunity to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to integrity and professionalism in the sport.
“We emphasize on transparency and integrity in our football, we ask everyone given the mandate to manage football affairs in the country to ensure they do so transparently,” he reiterated.
He made the remarks during the 4th edition of the Africa Football Business Summit in Mombasa, a two-day gathering that brought together football investors, including the President of the Grenada Football Association, Marlon Glean.
The conference sought to explore ways of elevating African football, attracting investment, and building capacity across the continent.
As the sun sets on the eve of the clash, all eyes now turn to Nyayo Stadium where the Harambee Starlets hope to script another golden chapter in Kenyan football history.
