Heroic Starlets edge Tunisia to keep WAFCON dream alive
Harambee Starlets are one step closer to WAFCON after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia in Sousse. Tereza Engesha’s early goal and Lilian Awuor’s heroic penalty saves secured Kenya’s place in the next round, where they will face Gambia for a spot in Morocco.
Harambee Starlets kept their WAFCON 2026 qualification hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Tunisia in the second leg of their First Qualifying Round clash on Wednesday evening in Sousse. The win, secured by an early Tereza Engesha strike, saw Kenya advance 1-0 on aggregate after a goalless draw in Nairobi last week.
Engesha justified her selection in the starting squad, putting Starlets ahead in the third minute with a low drive past Tunisian goalkeeper Zohra Jelassi. However, it was goalkeeper Lilian Awuor who emerged as the hero, saving two penalties to deny the hosts, who have already qualified for this year’s WAFCON in Morocco.
A golden goal by Terry Engesha 😁#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/CFBQyzy1q9
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025
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Seeking to sharpen the attack, coach Beldine Odemba made two changes to the side that started in Nairobi, introducing Engesha and Jentrix Shikangwa in place of Cynthia Shilwatso and Fasila Odhiambo. Awuor retained her spot in goal, with Enez Mango, captain Dorcas Sikobe, Ruth Ingosi, and Janet Mumo forming the backline. Corazone Aquino and Lavender Akinyi anchored the midfield, flanked by Elizabeth Wambui and Mwanahalima Adam.
Starlets wasted no time asserting themselves. In the third minute, Engesha capitalised on a defensive lapse, winning possession on the left before cutting inside and drilling a shot under Jelassi’s arms.
Tunisia nearly hit back just before halftime when they were awarded a penalty after Salma Zemzem was fouled in the box. Awuor, however, produced a stunning double save—first denying Ella Kaabachi’s spot-kick before keeping out Chirine Lamti’s rebound.
We are through to next round of the WAFCON qualifiers! 👏#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/RLG3Ygmvyw
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025
The second half was a scrappy affair, with misplaced passes and tame efforts on goal from both sides. Tunisia had another golden chance in the 74th minute when they won a second penalty after Awuor was adjudged to have fouled substitute Meriem Houij. But once again, the Kenyan shot-stopper stood firm, comfortably saving Sabrine Ellouzi’s effort.
Starlets held on to claim a historic win, moving within two matches of a second-ever WAFCON appearance. Kenya will now face Gambia in the final qualifying round in October, with a ticket to Morocco 2026 at stake.
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