Nairobi: Kenya’s Harambee Starlets battled from a goal down to defeat Gambia 3-1 in the first leg of the second-round qualifier for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). The match, played on Friday at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, began with an early shock for the hosts when Fatoumata Kante opened the scoring for Gambia in the third minute. The Spain-based forward capitalized on a poor back pass by Lavender Akinyi and slotted the ball past Kenya’s goalkeeper, Lilian Awuor.

According to Kenya News Agency, Kenya quickly regrouped and pressed forward, earning a penalty just seven minutes later. Mwanahalima Adam calmly converted the spot kick into the top left corner to level the score at 1-1.

Fasila Adhiambo then put the Starlets ahead after a solo run, beating two defenders before firing home to make it 2-1. Shalyen Opisa extended Kenya’s lead moments before halftime, finishing off a precise pass from Martha Emedot to give the hosts a 3-1 advantage.

Both teams created several scoring opportunities in the second half, but neither managed to find the back of the net.

The return leg will be played on October 28 in Thi¨s, Senegal, where Kenya will look to maintain their advantage and secure qualification for the WAFCON 2026 tournament.

After winning their first-leg encounters, both Kenya and Tanzania are now closer to booking their spots in the continental championship.