Harambee Starlets finish off South Sudan to advance in African qualifiers

The national women’s football team has reached the second round of the 2022 Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifiers after crushing South Sudan 15-1 on aggregate.

Harambee Starlets followed up on Wednesday’s 8-0 thrashing of South Sudan with another demolition on Saturday, winning 7-1 at the Nyayo National Stadium to advance.

The Kenyans will face either Uganda or Ethiopia who meet on Monday with the former carrying a 2-0 first leg advantage.

Skipper Mwanahalima Adam scored a first half brace as Kenya took a 2-0 lead into the break and it all went off after the restart.

Head coach Charles Okere made a double substitution, bringing in Jentrix Shikangwa and Lorna Nyabuto for Martha Amunyolet and Tereza Engesha respectively.

Ulinzi Starlets striker Neddy Atieno scored a hat trick and Shikangwa and Lydia Akoth netted one apiece to compete the scoring.

The consolation goals for South Sudan were scored by Amy Lasu through a free kick.

The Kenyans

Starlets made their debut at the continental showpiece in 2016 but narrowly missed out in 2018 after going out at the hands of Equatorial Guinea.

Last year’s showpiece was cancelled at the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Harambee Starlets Squad

Starting Line-up: 18. Lilian Awuor (GK), 2.Mwanalima Adam (c),4. Rachael Muema, 7. Janet Bundi, 9. Tereza Engesha, 12. Lydia Akoth, 13. Phoeby Owiti, 15. Mercyline Anyango, 17. Vivian Corazone, 21. Martha Anunyolet, 22. Neddy Atieno.

Substitutes: 23. Maureen Shimuli (GK), 3. Vivian Nasaka,  5. Nelly Sawe, 8. Lorna Nyabuto, 10. Jentrix Shikangwa, 16. Merceline Wayodi, 19. Violet Wanyonyi.