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Harambee Starlets coach Odemba rues missed chances against Tunisia
Rania Aquina of Tunisia (left) fights for the ball with Kenya's Mwanahalima Adams during a 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification match at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on February 21, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Kenya failed to capitalize on home advantage and will now have their worked cut out for them in the return match.
- Starlets came close to scoring in the fourth minute, but Mwanahalima Jereko's powerful shot only hit the side netting.
Despite drawing 0-0 with Tunisia in their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi yesterday, Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba remains bullish about their chances of advancing to the second round.
Kenya failed to capitalize on home advantage and will now have their worked cut out for them in the return match on Wednesday at Sousse Olympic Stadium in Sousse, Tunisia starting at 2pm (Kenyan time)
"I believe we are tactically superior, having demonstrated control over the game. We adhered closely to our game plan and needed to gradually refine our strategy, especially with the second match approaching
“I've watched Tunisia’s matches, and they cannot replicate their style from the first leg, as they play differently at home and away," said Odemba.
"We played well and tactically against them, utilizing our wings effectively, but we couldn't convert our chances."
Odemba made three key changes from the line-up that drew 1-1 with Botswana in the postponed 2024 qualifiers, introducing veteran goalkeeper Lilian Awuor, along debutant defenders Lilian Mumo and Lavender Akinyi.
Kenya's Corazon Aquino (right) goes for a high ball against Chaima Alabbassi of Tunisia during during a 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification match at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on February 21, 2025.
Goalkeeper Awuor started, supported by left back Ruth Ingotsi and left winger Enez Mango, while experienced captain Dorcas Shikobe led the central defence alongside Mumo and Akinyi.
In midfield, Corazone Aquino, Fasilah Adhiambo, and Elizabeth Wambui worked hard to control the game's tempo, while the attack was led by the dynamic duo Cynthia Shilwatso and Mwanahalima "Dogo" Jereko.
Starlets came close to scoring in the fourth minute, but Mwanahalima Jereko's powerful shot only hit the side netting. Throughout the first half, Kenya effectively used width but struggled to convert their opportunities.
Wambui, known as the "Queen of the Wing," delivered ineffective crosses, and long balls from the right wing failed to create scoring chances.
In the 18th minute, Tunisia's Guermazi Sana was fouled just outside the penalty area by Mumo and Shikobe, leading to a free kick that midfielder Ella Kaabachi sent over the crossbar.
Tunisia got their first corner in the 20th minute but it was not until the 25th minute that the visitors registered their first shot on target, Sana blasting straight at Awuor.
Kenya's Cynthia Shilwatso (right) vies for an aerial ball with Rania Aquina of Tunisia during a 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualification match at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on February 21, 2025.
Kenya had a good scoring opportunity in the 35th minute in a fast counter-attack, Aquino's long pass finding Jereko whose header went straight into the hands of the Tunisian goalkeeper.
Three minutes were added to the first half perhaps due to several Tunisian players going down, seemingly to waste time. In those added minutes, Adhiambo came close with a free kick that went just wide.
Elizabeth Mideva came in for Adhiambo in the 47th minute while Shilwatso was replaced by Violet Nanjala 10 minutes later but the changes yielded no fruits.
Guinea referee Aissatou Kante denied Kenya a genuine penalty appeal after Jereko was brought down in the box by defender Hana Hamdi in the 79th minute.
Despite their persistence, Kenya's attack lacked sharpness throughout the afternoon.
"We contained the entire match but unfortunately we did not utilize our chances. We will work on our finishing as the coaches have seen our weak points but the referee favoured Tunisia," said Aquino.
Tunisia coach Kamaal Saad said playing away was easier than playing at home.