Gambia Queens keen to upset Kenya for maiden WAFCON appearance
By Luke Oluoch, October 24, 2025Gambia Women’s National Head Coach Mariama Sowe has expressed confidence in her team’s ability to shine on the road as they face Kenya’s Harambee Starlets in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this Friday, Cotober 24, 2025.
Speaking on Friday, October, ahead of their history-making clash, the trainer backed her charges to claim the first advantage against the Beldine Odemba-coached team.
Capable
“We have a blend of professional and local players. I believe they are capable of the task; they are intelligent and skillful. We have added some professionals who are ready for the task. Their presence will motivate the locally based one and I know they are capable of performing as expected,” she stated.
The Gambian beat Niger 4-1 on aggregate to advance to the final qualifier tie, and Sowe believes the team stands a chance of boosting their qualification chances and make it to their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The first leg tie will kick off at 4:00 pm
“Niger had big quality player but we beat them and i am confident we can handle the next task to.
“In any football match you expect the crowd, We will talk to them to concentrate so that the crowd does not distract them. We are prepared; we know the match is important to us. The girls are motivated,” she added.
On her part, Fatou Cham Kanteh, the Queens’ captain, emphasised the importance of the team bringing their A-game against Kenya.
Kanteh, also promised to score a couple of goals and an assist against Starlets.
“We are prepared for the clash against Kenya. It is not easy to be in this stage, and it is a motivation in itself. If you come here, we have to give our best match and win,” the Saville attacker stated.
After the opening leg at Nyayo National Stadium, Kenya will leave the country to host Gambia for the return leg in a week.
The aggregate score over two legs will determine qualification for the Morocco-hosted event from July 5 to 26.