The Starlets defeated Cameroon, advancing to the next stage of the WAFCON qualifiers.

On Tuesday, the Harambee Starlets emerged victorious in a thrilling Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers match against Cameroon, winning 4-3 in a penalty shootout at Nyayo National Stadium. This victory propelled them to the next stage of the qualifiers.

The opening goal of the match was brilliantly scored by Cynthia Shilwatso, who expertly executed a free-kick. Throughout the game, the Starlets maintained relentless pressure on the Indomitable Lionesses.

Despite Kenya winning the match 1-0, the tie was forced into a penalty shootout due to the aggregate score being level at 1-1 following Starlets’ defeat in the first leg.

In the initial leg, Starlets had suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cameroon, played at Douala’s Reunification Stadium on September 22.

The Indomitable Lionesses took the lead in the penalty shootout by successfully converting their first penalty. However, Starlet’s captain, Ruth Ingosi, had her spot-kick saved.

Nevertheless, the Starlets regained their composure and went on to score their subsequent penalty kicks, with Sheryl Angachi converting the crucial final penalty that secured their place in the second round of the qualifiers.

In the next stage, the Starlets will face either Gabon or Botswana. The winner of this second round will earn an automatic qualification for the 2024 WAFCON tournament, set to be held in Morocco.

Match No. Host Club Visiting Club Venue
1 Nakuru City Queens FC Wadadia FC A.S.K Grounds|Nakuru
2 Trans Nzoia Falcons FC Zetech Sparks FC Ndura Sports Complex|Kitale
3 Vihiga Queens FC Ulinzi Starlets FC Mumias Sports Complex|Mumias
4 Gaspo Women FC Bunyore Starlets FC Stima Club|Nairobi
5 Bungoma Queens FC Kibera Soccer Ladies Sudi Stadium|Bungoma
6 Kenya Police Bullets FC Soccer Assassins FC Police Sacco Stadium |Nairobi

Harambee Starlets’ second round match is scheduled to take place between November 27 and December 5 vs Botswana.