Wasteful Harambee Starlets held to goalless draw by Tunisia in WAFCON qualifier

By Michael Kirwa

Harambee Starlets squandered several chances as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Tunisia in their WAFCON 2026 qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday.

Mwanalima Adam had Kenya’s best chances but failed to convert, leaving Starlets frustrated in their quest for a second WAFCON appearance after their 2016 debut. Tunisia, set to feature in this year’s WAFCON, posed some first-half threats but settled for a defensive approach in the second half, employing resolute defending and time-wasting tactics.

Despite extending their 19-year unbeaten run in home WAFCON qualifiers, Starlets must now secure a result in the away leg set for Wednesday.

Coach Beldine Odemba deployed a 4-3-3 formation with Lilian Awuor starting in goal ahead of Annedy Kundu. Dorcas Sikobe captained the team at centre-back alongside Ruth Ingosi, with Enez Mango and Jane Mumo at fullback. Corazone Aquino and Lavender Akinyi operated as a midfield double pivot behind Fasila Odhiambo, who supported a front three of Mwanalima Adam, Cynthia Shilwatso, and Elizabeth Wambui.

Starlets started aggressively, launching three attacks within the first five minutes. Adam fired just over the bar within 30 seconds, and Akinyi’s ambitious lob from midfield troubled Tunisian goalkeeper Zohara Jelassi. Moments later, Wambui’s cross was flicked by Shilwatso into Adam’s path, but her acrobatic volley hit the side netting.

Tunisia settled into the game after withstanding Kenya’s early pressure. As Starlets’ passing became sloppy, the visitors exploited spaces, forcing Awuor into a save from Ella Kaabachi in the 25th minute. Salma Zemzem then struck the side netting in the 29th minute.

Kenya continued to create chances but lacked composure in front of goal. Odhiambo wasted a one-on-one opportunity after a quick throw-in from Wambui, and Mumo’s determined run ended with a weak shot straight at Jelassi. In the 41st minute, Adam dribbled into the box and teed up Aquino, whose shot was deflected into the goalkeeper’s hands.

The second half mirrored the first, with Starlets dominating possession but struggling to break Tunisia’s defensive setup. Adam’s weak connection in the 47th minute led to another easy save, and Kenya resorted to speculative long-range efforts that sailed over the bar.

Aquino remained the most aggressive midfielder, intercepting passes and driving attacks. However, her enthusiasm led to a foul in the 67th minute while attempting to connect with Ingosi’s free-kick. In the 78th minute, Kenya had a penalty appeal waved away after Jelassi clattered into Adam.

The final 10 minutes saw more frustration as Starlets pushed for a breakthrough. Adam headed narrowly wide in the 88th minute, and in stoppage time, Ingosi failed to meet Adam’s well-placed cross before Sikobe shot wide after cutting inside from the right. Tunisia held firm to secure a hard-fought draw.

Kenya’s qualification hopes now rest on securing a favourable result in the return leg on Wednesday, February 26, 2025. A victory would see them advance to the final round against either Gambia or Niger, with Gambia holding a 2-0 advantage from the first leg.

The 2026 WAFCON, set for Morocco, will feature 12 teams.

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