WAFCON Q: Harambee Starlets miss last-minute penalty in stalemate against Botswana

Harambee Starlets were held to a 1-1 draw by Botswana in a 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, November 29, 2023.

Although Kenya enjoyed considerable support from home fans, they did not start the game as strongly as was anticipated.

It was Botswana who came close to breaking the deadlock with a chance for Radimayo Lesego, but the forward failed to beat Starlets’ goalkeeper Annette Kundu from close range.

There was a chance for Kenya to test the resilience of Botswana’s backline when they won a free-kick after Marjolene Nekesa was fouled. However, Lorna Nyabuto’s conversion was not successful, as the ball flew over the bar.

There were other chances for Kenya, but Elizabeth Wambui, Nekesa, and Cynthia Shilwatso were unable to turn them into goals.

Goals

Botswana’s attacking efforts were rewarded before the halftime break, as they managed to take the lead. Keitumetse Dithembe launched a powerful shot from close range, and Kundu did not manage to stop, with the ball ending up crossing the line for Botswana’s goal.

A handball by Tholakele Tebogo gave Kenya a perfect chance to restore parity. Nekesa took the penalty conversion duties and beat Maitumelo Bosija, in Botswana’s goal, for the leveller before they broke for the break.

In the second half, there were few chances, and both Kenya and Botswana failed to press each other more, as was witnessed in the last stages of the first half.

There was a close chance for Kenya to grab a lead deep inside the second half, but Violet Wanjala failed to find the back of the net from the spot.

The second-leg showdown is scheduled for December 5 in Gaborone, and the aggregate winner will book a place in the WAFCON finals in 2024.

Starting line ups:

Harambee Starlets: Annette Kundu, Phoebe Oketch, Loran Nyabuto, Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango, Elizabeth Wambui, Lilian Corazone, Cythia Shilwatso, Vivian Makokha, Mwanahalima Adam, Marjolene Nekesa 

Botswana: Maitumelo Bosija, Kesegofeste Mochawe, Mosego Montsho, Golebonae Selebasto, Tholakele Tebogo, Lone Gaofetoge, Radiakanyo Lesego, Keitumeste Dithembe, Veronica Mogotsi, Nondi Mahlasela