![Harambee Starlets players celebrate after scoring a goal against Uganda, during the 2025 Cecafa Senior Women's Championship campaign at Azam Sports Complex in Chamazi, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on June 17, 2025. [Harambee Starlets,X]](https://jambobet.news/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/508940698_1269908485137186_2450861454043891229_n.jpg "508940698_1269908485137186_2450861454043891229_n")
Harambee Starlets delivered a powerful statement of intent at the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship, hammering rivals Uganda 4-0 in a dominant display at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.The emphatic win marked their second straight victory in the group stage, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the winner-takes-all final.
Coming into the match off a 3-0 win against Burundi, Kenya knew a result against defending champions Uganda would be key to staying in control of their destiny. And they didn’t just win — they dazzled.
Fast Start, Fierce Battle
Despite the scoreline, it wasn’t all smooth sailing from the first whistle. Uganda, nicknamed the Crested Cranes, came out with intensity, nearly breaking the deadlock in the 9th minute. A through ball caught the Starlets’ defense off-guard, but Uganda’s striker fired her shot over the bar with only keeper Lilian Awuor to beat.
That early scare seemed to jolt Harambee Starlets into life, and once they found their rhythm, there was no stopping them.
Shikobe Leads by Example
In the 18th minute, captain Dorcas Shikobe broke the deadlock with a clever looping header off a well-placed free-kick from Martha Amunyolete. Rising above the defense, Shikobe’s finish sent the Kenyan bench into celebrations and turned the tide firmly in Starlets’ favor.
Barely eight minutes later, Shikobe struck again — this time capitalizing on a loose ball from a corner kick. Diana Wacera was the provider, swinging in a dangerous set-piece that caused chaos in the Ugandan box. The skipper reacted first and made no mistake, tucking it in for a 2-0 lead.
Shikobe’s double not only gave Kenya a cushion but also showed her leadership on both ends of the pitch.
Team captain Dorcas Shikobe bags the Woman of the Match #HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/L3O74DgLwl
— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) June 17, 2025
Wacera and Nanjala Add More Firepower
As the Cranes scrambled to regroup, the Starlets kept pressing — and the floodgates opened. In the 28th minute, Violet Nanjala used her blistering pace to beat Uganda’s high defensive line. Latching onto a precise pass just outside the box, she showed composure beyond her years, slipping the ball past the advancing keeper to make it 3-0.
Before the first half was even done, the Starlets had made their intentions crystal clear — they weren’t just in Tanzania to participate. They were here for silverware.
Wacera, who assisted the second goal, had been a constant thorn in Uganda’s midfield. Her energy, vision, and quick link-up play kept Kenya ticking and Uganda guessing.
Awuor and Amunyolete Seal the Starlets’ Statement Win
Uganda came out for the second half looking more determined, throwing numbers forward in search of a comeback. But Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor stood tall — twice denying close-range efforts with sharp reflex saves that kept her clean sheet intact.
The defensive solidity gave Starlets confidence to continue pushing forward, and they found their fourth goal with ten minutes to go.
Once again, it was Amunyolete in the mix. After delivering a perfect assist in the first half, she got on the scoresheet herself in the 80th minute. Shikobe, turning provider this time, floated a pinpoint pass over the top. Amunyolete met it with a glancing header that nestled into the bottom left corner — 4-0, and game over.
Odemba’s Starlets Show Championship Pedigree
Coach Beldine Odemba’s side put their off-field challenges and poor pre-tournament preparations firmly behind them. From defense to attack, the Harambee Starlets looked well-drilled, hungry, and unified.
The clean sheet was their second in as many games. The seven goals scored across two matches also highlight a squad that’s clicking in attack — with multiple scorers and smart build-up play.
It’s a sharp contrast to previous years when the Starlets often started tournaments slow. This time around, they’ve come out blazing, and their win over the defending champions sends a clear message to the rest of the competition.
Standout Performances Across the Pitch
From Shikobe’s leadership and brace, to Amunyolete’s creativity and goal, to Nanjala’s pace and finishing — the Starlets had heroes all over the field. Wacera’s midfield mastery and Awuor’s big saves rounded out a complete team performance.
The squad depth was also on display, with substitutes keeping up the pressure and ensuring the Cranes couldn’t find a way back into the match.
Now two games in and with six goalscorers involved, the Harambee Starlets look every bit like title contenders. Their blend of experience and youth, pace and power, structure and flair has them flying high — and Uganda simply couldn’t cope.
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