Football

Harambee Starlets embark on crucial WAFCON Qualifier in Botswana

The national women's soccer team Harambee Starlets depart to Botswana for their WAFCON Qualifier against Botswana (Photo: Harambee Starlets/Twitter)

By Sports Reporter | Sunday, December 3, 2023

Harambee Starlets earned their maiden appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations by qualifying on an away-goal rule in 2016. Their clash with Algeria resulted in a 3-3 aggregate, with a 1-1 draw in the first leg followed by a 2-2 draw in Algiers, securing their qualification on the away goals rule.

The national women's soccer team Harambee Starlets is gearing up for a decisive clash in Gaborone, Botswana, as they strive to secure a spot in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) slated to be held in Morocco.

This morning, Starlets departed the country in anticipation of the critical final round qualifier scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, 2023, at the Gaborone National Stadium in Botswana. Head Coach Beldine Odemba, overseeing the team's final training session at Moi Kasarani Stadium a day prior, expresses confidence in Starlets' ability to clinch a victory on foreign soil and secure their place in the continental showcase.

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In the initial leg of the final qualifiers, played at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, Starlets faced a formidable challenge as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Botswana. Despite having a home advantage, the team struggled to convert chances, and Violet Nanjala's missed penalty in the closing moments of the match denied Kenya the advantage going into the return leg.

Here's our travelling squad for our second leg of the 2024 WAFCON qualifier against Botswana. #GoStarlets pic.twitter.com/7cy8SZQ0FQ
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) December 3, 2023

Botswana's Keituneste Dithede had given the home team an early lead with a goal in the 36th minute, answered by Marjolene Nekesa's penalty just before half-time, levelling the score. The missed penalty proved crucial, leaving the tie delicately poised for the decisive second leg in Botswana.

Reflecting on their history, Starlets earned their maiden appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations by qualifying on an away-goal rule in 2016. Their clash with Algeria resulted in a 3-3 aggregate, with a 1-1 draw in the first leg followed by a 2-2 draw in Algiers, securing their qualification on the away goals rule. Now, Starlets aim to replicate that success and make their mark in the upcoming WAFCON tournament.