Harambee Starlets overturn the Indomitable Lionesses advantage to qualify to the second round of the WAFCON qualifications knockout stages after knocking them out on post match penalties (4-3) following a 1-1 aggregate.
Harambee Starlets fought hard to the core not to disappoint thousands of Kenyans who thronged the Nyayo Stadium to give them the unwavering support they dearly needed to edge out Cameroon. The Starlets were playing at a disadvantage as they had lost 1-0 to Cameroon away in Douala. The visitors seemed so composed as they had only come to play for the time since a goalless draw would still seal them through to the next round.
Starlets defied all the odds and come out blazing fire with almost zero fear for the lionesses taking the ball to them in numerous early minute attacks. The first half was less of a show despite few blunt attacks from the Kenyan starlets with Cameroon playing only at the back. The game went to break with both teams having not opened each others door.
Back into the match right before the kick of the second half, Cameroon made three straight changes while the hosts made one bring on Elizabeth Wambui for Terry Engesha. This seemed not to bring more touch into the game until Cynthia Shilwatso and Violet Nanjala were introduced for Esse Akida and Jentrix Shikangwa respectively. Violet would then be fouled few meters away from the 18 yard box with Cynthia stepping to take on the set piece. After taking countable strides back she let on a direct shot direct into the keepers hands who failed to hold grip to it and the ball went straight into the net.
The goal brought everything to stand still with the fans singing and shouting on top of their voices. The goal had brought life-back for the host team. Within no time the new introducee Ketsia Ngairah on her debut made a pass of a kin again to Violet who dribbled past the visitors defender to lay a nice pass to Cynthia who controlled it well and laid it past the visitors goal keeper but only to be denied by the goal post.
The match ended at 1-1 forcing it into direct penalty shoot outs to decide the winner who will advance to the next round of the qualifiers. Harambee Starlets went ahead to win 4-3 on the post match penalties with Sheryll Angach scoring the final penalty.
Harambee Starlets will then play Botswana in a two legged tie to decide who proceeds to the group stages.