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Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor reflects on penalty heroics
Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor (left) poses for a photo with defender Enez Mango after their victory over Tunisia in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers at the Sousse Olympic Stadium on February 26, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Tunisia were awarded their first penalty in the 44th minute after defender Janet Mumo fouled striker Salma Zemzem in the box. Awuor stepped up and saved it, keeping Kenya’s slim advantage intact.
- "I had mixed emotions during the first penalty; the team depended on me, so I had to step up. After I saved it, I didn’t know whether to cry or be happy," reflected the 25-year-old shot-stopper.
Harambee Starlets' first-choice goalkeeper Lilian Awuor was elated after making two decisive penalty saves against Tunisia in the return leg of the first round of their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers at the Sousse Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Kenya secured a 1-0 aggregate victory after a 0-0 draw in Nairobi’s first leg, with midfielder Tereza Engesha scoring the crucial goal in the third minute.
Capitalising on a defensive error by Tunisia right-back Rania Aouina, Engesha weaved past defenders before unleashing a powerful strike past goalkeeper Barka Machado to hand Kenya the lead.
"It was a challenging game. Our opponents went home to analyse our strengths, which they clearly addressed," said Awuor, who plays for Romanian club Farul Constanța alongside defender Enez Mango, who was also pivotal in the match.
Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor warms up before their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifier against Tunisia at the Sousse Olympic Stadium on February 26, 2025.
Tunisia were awarded their first penalty in the 44th minute after defender Janet Mumo fouled striker Salma Zemzem in the box. Awuor stepped up and saved it, keeping Kenya’s slim advantage intact.
"I had mixed emotions during the first penalty; the team depended on me, so I had to step up. After I saved it, I didn’t know whether to cry or be happy," reflected the 25-year-old shot-stopper.
The second penalty came in the 78th minute under controversial circumstances when striker Rania Aouina went down in the box as Awuor attempted to claim the ball.
Harambee Starlets striker Tereza Engesha (centre) celebrates her goal against Tunisia with teammates during their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier second leg match at the Sousse Stadium in Tunsia on February 26, 2025.
"I just tried focusing on the ball as I did not touch the striker. It was a do-or-die moment because the referee pointed to the spot immediately. I took the blame. The only way to redeem myself was to save the penalty. I just prayed, and I did," added Awuor, a former Vihiga Queens and Soyaux Women goalkeeper.
Harambee Starlets are set to face Gambia in October in the second and final round of qualifiers. Kenya, ranked 149 in Fifa standings, will host the first leg on October 20 before traveling for the return leg in Gambia on October 28. Gambia, ranked 126, defeated Niger 4-1 on aggregate to advance.
"Gambia are beatable if we capitalise on our chances, especially at home; then we can qualify for Wafcon next year," Awuor noted.
Harambee Starlets striker Tereza Engesha (centre) celebrates her goal against Tunisia with teammates during their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier second leg match at the Sousse Stadium in Tunsia on February 26, 2025.
Awuor, alongside captain Dorcas Shikobe, midfielder Corazone Aquino, and striker Janet Bundi, remain one of the few players from Kenya’s historic 2016 Wafcon debut in Cameroon.
Head coach Beldine Odemba, a CAF 'A' license holder, celebrated the victory with an inspiring message.
"Today’s accomplishments were yesterday’s impossibilities. To every Kenyan who believed in us, the win is for you," she posted on social media.
President William Ruto and Sports CS Salim Mvurya led the country in congratulating the team for their historic feat.
"Congratulations to Harambee Starlets on your hard-fought victory over Tunisia in Sousse, securing a place in the final round of Wafcon qualifiers. Against all odds, you stood tall, fought hard, and delivered a performance that has made our nation proud," President Ruto posted.
Mvurya echoed similar sentiments, lauding the team's resilience and determination.
"Your hard work, resilience, and team spirit continue to make Kenya proud. This win is a testament to your dedication and talent. Keep shining and pushing forward; Kenya stands behind you all the way," Mvurya wrote.
Harambee Starlets are set to return home on Friday morning aboard a private jet, though Awuor and Mango have already rejoined their Romanian club.