Football

WAFCON 2024 Qualifiers: Harambee Starlets rue missed chances, penalties as dreams crushed

Kenya's national women's football team Harambee Starlets return from their trip to Gaborone, Botswana on Deceber 6, 2023 (Photo: Harambee Starlets/Twitter)

By Sports Reporter | Thursday, December 7, 2023

Key moments, especially the failure to capitalise on penalty opportunities played a significant role. Violet Nanjala's penalty was saved by Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija in the first leg, as Cynthia Shilwatso's penalty met the same fate in Gaborone.

Kenya's national women's football team Harambee Starlets were heartbroken for the second time as their hopes of participating in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) were crushed by Botswana in a 2-1 aggregate score defeat on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.

In 2016, Starlets etched their names in history by qualifying for the AFCON for the first time. However, their bid for a WAFCON spot in Morocco faced a setback as Botswana emerged victorious, denying them a chance to replicate their heroics.

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The first leg in Nairobi ended in a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for a decisive second leg in Gaborone. Despite high hopes and head coach Beldine Odemba, the team faltered in the crucial moments, missing pivotal chances and watching their WAFCON dream slip away.

Key moments, especially the failure to capitalise on penalty opportunities played a significant role. Violet Nanjala's penalty was saved by Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija in the first leg, as Cynthia Shilwatso's penalty met the same fate in Gaborone.

Moving forward, the team must take strategic steps to strengthen various aspects of their game. This includes investing in youth development programs, enhancing tactical acumen, fostering teamwork and unity, providing robust support systems for players, and securing consistent sponsorship for sustained growth.

Despite the current setback, Starlets possess the talent and potential to bounce back stronger. The call to resilience echoes loud, urging the team to learn from this experience and emerge more formidable as they set their sights on WAFCON qualification in 2026.