The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) is calling on all Gambians, irrespective of their background, to show maximum support to the women’s senior national team of The Gambia as they prepare to take on Kenya in their decisive second-leg encounter against Kenya in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers. The high-stakes match is scheduled to take place at the Stade Latdior in Thies, Senegal, today at 16:00 GMT.
This crucial fixture represents the culmination of the qualifiers for the TotalEnergues Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers with the winning advancing to the tournament proper in Morocco next year. The Gambian Queens face a difficult, but not insurmountable, task after succumbing to a 3-1 defeat in the first leg held in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday.
Despite the first-leg loss, the team displayed commendable fighting spirit and undeniable potential, taking an early lead against their formidable Kenyan opponents. This demonstrated their capability to compete at the highest level and provides a strong foundation of belief as they head into the decisive fixture. The objective is clear: the team must overturn the two-goal deficit by securing at least a minimum of two unanswered goals to qualify for the next round – a challenge that the GFF firmly believes is within their grasp.
Qualification for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations would mark a historic first-ever appearance at the continent’s premier women’s football tournament for The Gambia, a milestone that is line with our National Football Development Plan and one that would undoubtedly inspire a new generation of female footballers across the nation.
Mr. Lamin Kaba Bajo, President of the GFF and a staunch champion of women’s football development in The Gambia, extended his heartfelt best wishes and unwavering confidence to the team ahead of today’s crucial match.
“I want to wish our magnificent women’s national team the very best of luck in today’s incredibly important match,” said President Bajo. “Despite the first-leg result, my confidence in their spirit, talent, and unwavering resolve to overcome this challenge is absolute. We know it’s a tough task to overturn a 3-1 deficit, but I firmly believe they have the capacity to deliver a performance that will make our nation incredibly proud and, crucially, secure our dream of a historic first-ever appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Go make history, girls! The entire nation is behind you, supporting every pass, tackle, and shot.”
In conclusion, the GFF encourages all Gambians, both at home and abroad, to rally behind our national heroines as they strive to achieve this significant milestone for Gambian football. Their determination, courage, and pursuit of excellence embody the spirit of our nation.
Let us stand united in support of our Queens.
