Harambee Starlets got their campaign for a 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ticket, on Friday 21 February, off to a slow start as they were held to goalless draw by rivals Tunisia.Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities in the crucial first-leg qualifier at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, Starlets could not find the back of Tunisia’s net; some misses unbelievable to fathom.FTKenya 0⃣-0⃣ TunisiaA big second leg awaits! #HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/wJtNgKWiAE— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 21, 2025 The national women’s football team is eager to make a return to the continental competition after missing out since 2016.The aggregate winner, after the return leg slated for Tuesday 25 February, will face either Niger or Gambia in the second and final round of the qualification campaign.Spain-based Wanjala confident in Rising Stars World Cup chancesBeldine Odemba’s side had a quick start, Mwanalima Adam coming close twice in the opening three minutes, her first attempt in the first minute going wide while she side netted the second much to the dismay of the fans who were up and ready for celebrations.Fasila Odhiambo’s attempt from way outside the box in the third minute was an early statement from the 149th ranked Starlets who were up against 78th-ranked North Africans. Her shot hit the cross bar, recocheting towards goal only for Zohra Jelassi to get her hands on the ball just in time.##NAJAVA_MECA_8726883##That kind of disappointment would be experienced throughout the match as twice, Starlets missed some sitters that could have changed the trajectory of their campaign.Tunisia settled in well after the opening 15 minutes, taking the game to Kenya with Chaima Alabbassi proving a thorn for Odemba’s charges. Both Corazone Aquino and Fasila missed sitters in the opening half to see the match head to the break on a stalemate.The second half belonged to Tunisia who pushed for an opener, twice hitting the cross bad.’Referee aliwafavour kidogo.Ukigusa mtu kidogo anaangukaIt was not fair.’~ Corazone Aquino: Harambee Starlets pic.twitter.com/zXRqiyqN2W— Steve Ruigu Njuguna (@Joashnjuguna) February 21, 2025 The tempo picked up in the last quarter of the clash with Elizabeth Wambui’s cross after another causing problems for Tunisia but none could break the deadlock, the North Africans picking an important point away.
