Harambee Starlets beat Cameroon to advance to 2nd round of WAFCON qualifiers

Harambee Starlets secured their spot in the second round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout.

This win came after a 1-1 aggregate scoreline in a hard-fought battle against formidable opponents.

Uphill task for Harambee Starlets

Kenya faced an uphill battle going into the match, trailing 1-0 on aggregate following their away defeat to Cameroon.

Despite a strong start, the first half ended without any goals, leaving Cameroon with the advantage as they entered the final 45 minutes.

Kenya’s relentless pursuit of a goal finally paid off late in the match when substitute Cynthia Shilwatso delivered a stunning free-kick that found the back of the net in the final quarter of the game.

She came close to doubling the lead, but her shot struck the crossbar, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

With the score level at 1-1 on aggregate and no further goals in regular time, the match was destined to be decided by a penalty shootout.

In the dramatic shootout that followed, Ruth Ingosi’s penalty was saved, giving Cameroon an early advantage. However, Kenyan goalkeeper Annedy Kundu showcased her skills with a brilliant save during Cameroon’s second penalty. Ketsia Ngaira then stepped up to calmly slot home Kenya’s first penalty.

The tension continued as Cythian Silwatso confidently converted her spot-kick, equalizing the score in the shootout. Cameroon’s fortunes took a turn for the worse when their penalty attempt struck the crossbar.

Harambee Starlets winner

Mwanahalima Dogo seized the moment, converting Kenya’s third penalty, increasing the pressure on Cameroon. The Cameroonian team managed to score their penalty, keeping their hopes alive.

It was left to Sheryl Angachi, whose successful penalty secured a 4-3 victory for Kenya in the shootout.

The Harambee Starlets will now eagerly await their next opponent in the tournament, which will be determined by the winner of the ongoing qualifier between Botswana and Gabon.

Harambee Starlets XI

Annedy Kundu, Enez Mango, Ruth Ingosi, Corazone Aquino, Vivian Nasaka, Sheryl Angachi, Jentrix Shikangwa, Phoebe Owiti, Mwanalima Adam, Esse Akida, Tereza Engesha.

Substitutes

Caroline Rufa, Cynthia Shilwatso, Juliet Andibo, Elizabeth Wambui, Ketsia Ngaira, Violet Nanjala, Wincaate Kaari