Harambee Starlets beat Tunisia to reach final round of WAFCON qualifiers
Football
By
Robert Abong'o
| Feb 26, 2025
Kenya's Harambee Starlets have secured their place in the next round of the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers by narrowly defeating Tunisia 1-0 at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunis,
The victory came after a goalless first leg in Nairobi, which had put the team and head coach Beldine Odemba under significant pressure.
The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but it was Terry Engesha's early goal in the first half that ultimately made the difference.
The Starlets, however, faced a formidable challenge from the Tunisian side, who enjoyed the advantage of playing on home soil.
Key to Kenya's success was goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, whose remarkable performance included two crucial penalty saves that kept the Tunisians at bay.
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Awuor's heroics occurred on either side of half-time, ensuring that her team maintained their slender lead despite Tunisia's relentless attempts to equalize.
With this hard-fought victory, the Harambee Starlets now turn their attention to the next round, where they will face Gambia, who advanced by defeating Niger 4-2.