Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has ecstatically reacted to Kenya’s 1-0 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations victory against Tunisia on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.

Starlets claimed a crucial win to book their tickets to the second leg of the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers thanks to an early goal from Teresa Engesha.

Heading to the tie after a 0-0 draw in Nairobi, the Kenyan ladies were forced to dig deep and show character away from home for success.

Starlets’ custodian Lilian Awour was arguably the standout hero, earning the match plaudits for her two penalty saves at either end of the half.

After the tie, Odemba took to her X page to post a cryptic message on the team’s success, attributing the win to Kenyans who never stopped doubting the side.

“Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities. To every Kenyan who believed in us, the win is for you,” Odemba said.

Odemba’s message might as well be premised on the context of the prevailing situation that predated the Starlets’ preparations for the clash.

The Police FC coach and her technical bench had come under sharp criticism after a frustrating draw at Ulinzi Complex five days earlier.

The first-leg tie in Nairobi saw Kenya fail to make up for a potential home advantage with fans over Odemba’s team selection and overall management of the clash.

Matters seemed to turn for the worse after uncertainty emerged that the coach was potentially in for her last days at the helm of the senior women’s side as Starlets jetted out on Tuesday for the much-anticipated return leg tie in Sousse, Tunis.

📸 | Matchday Snaps#Harambee Starlets #WAFCONQualifiers pic.twitter.com/7YtTuJwzy1

— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025

Despite the challenges, Kenya consolidated the chance for a second WAFCON appearance.

Kenya will next face Gambia in October in the second round, which is the final stage of the qualifiers. Gambia secured their spot after defeating Niger 4-1 on aggregate.