WAFCON Qualifier: Harambee Starlets rally from behind to hold Botswana

Harambee Starlets rallied from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Botswana in the first leg of the 2024 Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifier played Wednesday at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

Keitunetse Dithede opened the scoring for Botswana in the 36th minute before the Starlets fought back to equalise through Marjoline Nekesa in the 48th minute.

The Starlets now have a tough task of winning the return leg in Gaborone on Sunday if they are to qualify for the showpiece set for Morocco next year.

Mwanahalima "Dogo" Adan and new Simba Queens forward Elizabeth Wamboi caused troubles from both flanks but a tightly marked Marjolene Nekesa wasn't allowed allowed space to convert them making it difficult for the hosts to find the net.

A slow response in the middle of the park from Vivian Corazone and Lorna Nyarinda after losing the ball made the visitors score but the home fans will feel goalkeeper Annedy Kundu could have done better.

Headcoach Beldine Odemba brought in Ulinzi Starlets midfielder Sheryl Angachi who started bossing the midfield helping Starlets to launch attack after attack but still the attackers fluffed.

Joy King Lady made her debut today, coming on for Dogo after she was booked, taking on her woman with good dribbling skills but her decision making in the final third became her main undoing.

Startlets continued a search for a winner and their hopes were put alive after Janet Moraa's shot was mishandled by Botswana's defender.

And with the home fans roaring and beaming with joy knowing it was their last chance to get a winning goal, Botswana's goalkeeper spoiled the party after saving Violent Nanjala's penalty.

Odemba refused to blame her charges for the chances lost but rather promised to work on the missing piece to ensure Starlets fire in Gaborone.

"I have no regrets over the loss, we are going to work on a few details and we will pull off a result in Botswana," noted Odemba.

She also hailed Angachi and Joy King Lady despite facing criticism from the home fans.

"Joy even in training is a beast, I even expected she had an impressive debut and she'll be better with time."

Annedy Kundu, Ruth Ingosi, Phoebe Owiti, Vivian Nasaka, Enez Mango, Corazone Aquino, Lorna Nyarinda, Marjolene Nekesa, Cynthia Shilwatso, Mwanahalima Adam, Elizabeth Wambui.

Juliet Auma, Joy Kinglady, Sheryl Angachi, Violet Nanjala, Janet Bundi, Ketsia Ngaira, Lilian Awuor.