Harambee Starlets were left frustrated after being held to a 0-0 draw by Tunisia in the first leg of their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) 2026 qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday, February 21. Despite creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities, Kenya failed to capitalize, leaving their qualification hopes hanging in the balance ahead of the return leg in Tunisia on Tuesday, February 25.
The result means Starlets must now win away or secure a scoring draw to progress to the next round, where they would face either Niger or Gambia in the final qualification stage.
Fast Start But No Goals for Kenya
Kenya started the match aggressively, determined to make the most of home advantage. Within the first three minutes, Mwanalima Adam had already registered two attempts on goal. However, her first shot went wide, while her second effort hit the side netting, leaving the home crowd disappointed.
Fasila Odhiambo nearly gave Kenya an early breakthrough in the third minute with a long-range strike that rattled the crossbar. The ball bounced dangerously towards goal, but Tunisian goalkeeper Zohra Jelassi reacted quickly to gather it before Starlets could capitalize.
The early chances gave the impression that Kenya would dominate the game, but the lack of composure in front of goal proved costly. Despite relentless attacking play, the Starlets could not find a way past Tunisia’s resilient defense.
READ NEXT:
- Kenya Morans Forfeit AfroBasket Qualifier Against Tunisia, Complicating Their Qualification Chances
- Vancouver 7s:Shujaa’s Struggles Continue After Another Tough Defeat Against France
Tunisia Settles In as Kenya Waste More Chances
After surviving Kenya’s early pressure, Tunisia began to find their rhythm. Their attacking midfielder Chaima Alabbassi emerged as a key threat, troubling the Kenyan defense with her pace and creativity.
Despite Tunisia’s growing confidence, Kenya still had the best chances of the first half. Corazone Aquino and Fasila Odhiambo both missed open chances that could have put Starlets in control. With both sides failing to capitalize on opportunities, the match remained goalless at halftime.
Tunisia Push for a Winner in Second Half
Tunisia returned from the break looking more confident, taking control of possession and pressing higher up the field. They nearly broke the deadlock twice, hitting the crossbar on both occasions as Kenya’s defense struggled to contain their fast breaks.
Kenya had fewer clear-cut chances in the second half but nearly snatched a winner late in the match. A dangerous cross from Elizabeth Wambui created confusion in the Tunisian penalty area, but once again, Starlets failed to find the finishing touch.
As the final whistle blew, Tunisia celebrated a hard-earned away draw, knowing they had put themselves in a strong position for the return leg.
Missed Chances Could Prove Costly for Starlets
The goalless draw leaves Harambee Starlets with an uphill task in the second leg. Tunisia will now have the home advantage and a psychological edge, having restricted Kenya from scoring on home soil.
Kenya will need a much-improved performance in Tunisia, particularly in finishing their chances. With away goals in play, Starlets must find the net in the return fixture to stand a chance of progressing.
Coach Beldine Odemba will likely address Kenya’s lack of clinical finishing in training ahead of the crucial match. The team showed attacking intent but must be more ruthless in front of goal if they hope to keep their WAFCON qualification dream alive.
What’s Next for Harambee Starlets?
Kenya will travel to Tunisia for the second leg on Tuesday, February 25, knowing that only a win or a scoring draw will be enough to advance. Tunisia, ranked 78th in the world compared to Kenya’s 149th, will be confident on home turf and could be more aggressive in search of a victory.
If Starlets fail to progress, it will mark another disappointment in their quest to return to WAFCON, having last participated in 2016. However, a strong performance in the return leg could reignite their hopes of making it to the continental tournament.
With everything to play for, Kenya must show resilience, take their chances, and produce a performance worthy of qualification.
