The Harambee Starlets kicked off their 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship campaign in style with a 3-0 victory over Burundi on Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania.

Kenya looked sharp from the start and took control of the game early. Just two minutes in, Martha Amunyolet gave the Starlets the lead with a smart finish. She latched onto a long ball from goalkeeper Annedy Kundu, battled past two defenders, and calmly chipped the ball over Burundi keeper Faida Habimana.

It did not take long for Amunyolet to double the lead. Only three minutes later, Violet Nasaka played a perfect pass from deep in Kenya’s half, and Amunyolet showed great composure to lob the ball over the goalkeeper again. Her pace and determination proved too much for the Burundi defence.

The Starlets kept the pressure on for the rest of the match, creating several chances and staying solid at the back. In added time, Faith Mboya wrapped up the win with a brilliant goal. After Amunyolet’s shot hit the post, Mboya was quick to react and curled the rebound into the top corner to make it 3-0.

The goal sent the players and fans into celebration.

Starlets back with title ambitions

This is a strong return for Kenya, who are playing in the CECAFA Women’s Championship for the first time since 2019. That year, they won the title after beating hosts Tanzania in the final.

With such a confident performance, the Starlets have shown they are serious about winning the trophy again and proving their strength in East African women’s football.

The team had been training diligently at Kinondoni Municipal Council Stadium in Dar-es-Salaam under coach Beldine Odemba in preparation for their opening match against Burundi. Kenya’s next challenge is against Uganda on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, followed by matches against South Sudan and hosts Tanzania.