Harambee Starlets’ dream for a second CECAFA Women’s Senior title came crashing at the final hurdle after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tanzania on Saturday, June 21, 2025.

The clash at Chamazi Complex had the teams hoping to stretch their dream start to the championship, with Enez Mango’s own goal in the second half proving the difference.

Tanzania and Kenya emerged as the best teams in a round-robin format, making their Saturday meeting a high-stakes decider of the competition’s ultimate winners.

Coach Beldine Odemba restored her usual mainstays for the team, with skipper Dorcas Shikobe and Ruth Ingotsi resuming their place at the heart of the defense with Lilian Awuor guarding the goal.

A closely contested first half that saw Kenya struggling to contain the host’s threatening forays via the left flank danger woman, Clara Luvanga.

The defining moment came just after the break when Luvanga’s cross was inadvertently turned home by Mango after a mix-up with her keeper.

Kenya threatened to fight back via a couple of unsuccessful set pieces.

Vihiga Queens Martha Amunyolet, who has been a revelation in the championship, saw his effort whistle off Tanzania’s crossbar, while another inswinger at their rivals’ goal was dealt with by the Twiga Stars keeper.

Disappointment

The victory saw the host onto a record-extending third title, cementing their regional dominance in the women’s category as Kenya was left to rue the timing of their maiden loss in the games.

Meanwhile, it proved a case of coming so close yet so far for Kenya, whose quest for a second regional title ended in disappointment.

Beldine Odemba’s team approached the regional games as a build-up for the upcoming 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) games.

The Starlets now angle for the decisive face-off against the Gambia women’s team in the final round qualifier of the continental games in October.