Harambee Starlets sink Burundi to open CECAFA title hunt in style

Martha Amunyolet celebrates her goal (FKF MEDIA)

By Erick Kariuki
Sunday, June 15, 2025

Harambee Starlets kicked off their 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship campaign with a clinical 3-0 win over Burundi in Dar es Salaam, setting the tone for a crucial Group B showdown against Uganda on Tuesday.

Harambee Starlets launched their 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Burundi in a Group B fixture played at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam on Sunday afternoon.

Kenya, under the guidance of head coach Beldine Odemba, wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Martha Amunyolet netting a brace inside the opening five minutes to give Starlets a perfect start. The forward struck in the 2nd minute and again in the 5th, punishing a disorganized Burundi defence to establish a 2-0 cushion by halftime.

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The match had initially been scheduled for Saturday, June 14, but logistical issues forced the CECAFA organizers to reschedule, pushing Starlets’ opener to Sunday.

That delay, however, had little effect on Kenya’s readiness as they hit the ground running. Burundi came into the tie brimming with confidence after a surprise 1-0 win over defending champions Uganda on Friday, where Esperance Habonimana scored a late winner from a free kick in the 75th minute. But against Kenya, the Central Africans found themselves under constant pressure from the onset and were second-best throughout.

In the second half, Starlets maintained their shape, dominated midfield, and continued to threaten Burundi’s goal.

Their persistence finally paid off again in the dying moments of the game when Faith Mboya, coming off the bench, found the back of the net in the 90th minute to seal the three points and cap off an excellent all-round team performance.

The Kenyan backline, marshaled with composure, ensured Burundi never found rhythm or space to replicate the kind of danger they posed to Uganda two days earlier.

Kenya lined up with Annedy Kundu in goal, protected by a defensive unit of Elizabeth Ochaka, Alice Mideri, Medina Abubakar, and captain Vivian Nasaka.

The midfield trio featured Tabitha Amoit, Diana Wacera, and Emily Moranga, while the front line included Martha Amunyolet, Tumaini Waliaula, and Violet Nanjala.

On the bench, Odemba had dependable options in Lilian Awuor, Janet Mumo, Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Ann Akinyi, Swaum Nanjala, and Faith Mboya, who came on to register her name on the scoresheet.

On the opening day of the tournament, hosts Tanzania had kicked things off in style with a 4-0 rout of South Sudan, with goals from Diana Lucas, Opah Clement Tukumbuke (brace), and Cara Luvanga. Burundi’s shock win over Uganda added an early twist to Group B, but Kenya’s assured performance now resets the narrative.

With three points and a clean sheet in the bag, Harambee Starlets now shift focus to a crucial clash against Uganda’s Crested Cranes on Tuesday evening, a match that could go a long way in shaping the path to the semifinals in this year’s championship.