Harambee Starlets defeated in Nations Cup qualifier

Sep 23, 2023 - 07:35

By Peter Ochieng

Kenya National Women's football team, the Harambee Starlets are still in contention for a slot at the 2024 Africa Women Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morrocco.

However, coach Beldine Odemba's charges have to roll-up their sleeves and beat Cameroon in second leg of first round qualifiers in Nairobi.

Harambee Starlets put up a spirited fight on Friday night, only to narrowly go down 0-1 against the West African side, during the first leg played in Douala.

Cameroon scored early in the match - 11th minute to be precise and held on to carry a slim advantage against the Kenyan Queens.

Annedy Kundu, Juliet Andibo, Ruth Ingosi, Corazone Aquino, Vivian Nasaka, Sheryl Angachi, Cynthia Shilwatso, Wincate Kaari, Mwanalima Adam, Esse Akida and Tereza Engesha started the match for Harambee Starlets.

Caroline Rufa, Jentrix Shikangwa, Mercy Airo, Elizabeth Wambui, Lydia Akoth, Enez Mango, and Phoebe Owiti were on the bench.

Kenya hosts Cameroon for the second leg on Tuesday, needing a win of at least two goals to advance to the second round qualifiers.

The winner of Kenya versus Cameroon tie will face the winner of Gabon Botswana encounter in the second round, before the overall winner books a ticket to the WAFCON tournament in Morrocco, next year.

Results of first round first leg qualifier matches:

Gabon 1 Vs 4 Botswana

Cape Verde 3 Vs 0 Liberia

Senegal 1 Vs 1 Mozambique

Djibouti 0 Vs 7 Togo

Ivory Coast 2 Vs 0 Tanzania

Tunisia 7 Vs 0 Niger

DRC 2 Vs Benin 1

CAR 1 Vs 7 Mali

Burundi 1 Vs 1 Ethiopia

Gambia 2 Vs 3 Namibia

Guinea Bissau 0 Vs 1 Congo Brazzaville