Harambee Starlets Set for Crucial WAFCON Qualifier Against Tunisia
Kenya’s Harambee Starlets will take on Tunisia in the first leg of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Friday, February 23, 2025. The return leg will be played at the Sousse Olympic Stadium in Tunisia on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Where to Watch the Match
The match will be broadcast live on KBC TV and streamed on the Harambee Starlets’ official Facebook page, allowing fans to follow the action from anywhere.
Ticket Prices and How to Purchase
- VIP Tickets – Ksh 500
- Regular Tickets – Ksh 100
Fans can purchase tickets through:
- Dial *51955# on mobile to access the ticketing platform
- Buy online via the official ticketing link
Tickets will also be available at Ulinzi Sports Complex on match day, with payments strictly via M-Pesa only. Cash transactions will not be accepted.
Harambee Starlets’ Preparation for Tunisia Clash
The Harambee Starlets have been in camp for two weeks under head coach Beldine Odemba, with a squad of 28 players available for selection. The team has completed final training sessions and is focused on securing a home victory.
Kenya’s WAFCON History
Kenya has participated in one WAFCON tournament (2016), where they struggled in Group B, losing to:
- Ghana (3-1)
- Nigeria (4-0)
- Mali (3-1)
In the 2024 WAFCON qualifiers, Kenya was eliminated 2-1 on aggregate by Botswana after earlier defeating Cameroon in the first round via penalties.
Starlets’ Captain Confident of Victory
Dorcas Shikobe, the Harambee Starlets’ captain, remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances, citing strong preparations and a determined squad.
“We are prepared and promise to come out victorious. The mood is excellent, and even the youngest players are ready. We are taking it one game at a time, but we know the importance of qualifying,” said Shikobe.
She urged fans to come out in large numbers to support the team, just as they did during the U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Coach Odemba Calls for Fan Support
Head coach Beldine Odemba emphasized the importance of home support, urging fans to rally behind the team as they face a tough Tunisian side.
“The team had a few days to train with the foreign-based players after the window opened on the 16th, with the last two arriving on Tuesday. The squad is ready, and players are well-prepared from their respective leagues,” Odemba stated.
She also confirmed that defender Vivian Nasaka will miss the tie due to injury, but a replacement has been named.
Tunisia’s Strength and Key Players
Tunisia, ranked 71st in FIFA rankings, has played in two WAFCON tournaments (1962, 2022) and will be looking for their third qualification. Some of their key players include:
- Sabrine Ellouzi (FC Fleury, France)
- Ibtissem Jraidi (ASFAR, Morocco)
- Leila Maknoun (Club Africain, Tunisia)
What’s Next for the Winner?
The winner of the Kenya vs Tunisia tie will face either Niger or Gambia in the final round of WAFCON qualifiers. Gambia currently leads 2-0 over Niger after their first-leg match.
Match Details Recap
- Fixture: Kenya vs Tunisia – WAFCON Qualifiers
- Date: Friday, February 23, 2025
- Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM (EAT)
- Venue: Ulinzi Sports Complex, Nairobi
- Where to Watch: KBC TV and Harambee Starlets’ Facebook page
- Tickets:
- VIP – Ksh 500
- Regular – Ksh 100
- Payment via M-Pesa only
Kenya will look to capitalize on home advantage and take a step closer to WAFCON 2024 qualification. Fans are encouraged to show up in large numbers and support the Starlets.
READ NEXT:
