Harambee Starlets face must-win clash against Tunisia in WAFCON qualifier

Harambee Starlets line up before the game against Tunisia (C) FKF Media

By Michael Kirwa
Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Harambee Starlets are set for a do-or-die clash against Tunisia in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers. After a goalless first leg in Nairobi, the Kenyan side must secure victory away in Sousse to keep their hopes alive. With history of near misses in past campaigns, Starlets are determined to break the cycle and advance to the next round.

Harambee Starlets head into a decisive WAFCON 2026 First Qualifying Round match against Tunisia this evening. The second-leg tie will be played at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia, kicking off at 6pm EAT.

The first leg in Nairobi ended goalless, with Starlets wasting several chances. Now, they must secure a victory away from home to keep their WAFCON dream alive.

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Since their maiden WAFCON appearance in 2016, Kenya has come close to qualifying again but has fallen short in painful fashion. A win in Tunisia will take them to the next round, where they will face Gambia for a spot in the final tournament in Morocco next year.

Starlets have been in this position before. In 2018, they defeated Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in Nairobi but lost 2-0 away. Initially, Equatorial Guinea qualified, but Kenya was later awarded the spot after their opponents were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. However, the ruling was overturned on appeal, denying Kenya a second WAFCON appearance.

In 2022, Kenya had a clear path to qualification but was suspended by FIFA. As a result, Uganda progressed to WAFCON in Morocco via a walkover. In 2023, Starlets once again missed out after falling 1-0 to Botswana in the second leg, following a 1-1 draw in Nairobi.

Head coach Beldine Odemba lamented missed chances in Friday’s draw and hinted at changes in attack. She may start one of Janet Bundi, Jentrix Shikangwa, Tereza Engesha, or Violet Nanjala in place of midfielder Cynthia Shilwatso, who was deployed as a striker in the first leg. All four forwards are among the top scorers in their respective leagues.

Odemba has taken 23 players to Tunisia, including four who featured in the 2016 WAFCON: captain Dorcas Sikobe, goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, midfielder Corazone Aquino, and forward Janet Bundi. Defender Enez Mango and attacker Mwanahalima "Dogo" Adam also played key roles in the qualifiers that secured Kenya’s historic qualification in 2016.

With experience and talent in their squad, Starlets have a real chance to rewrite history. A win in Sousse will bring them one step closer to returning to Africa’s biggest women’s football stage.