Lilian Awuor saved two penalties as Kenya’s Harambee Starlets secured passage into the second round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers following a gritty 1-0 victory over Tunisia at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunis on Wednesday 26 February.Starlets came into the pivotal second-leg needing a win of any kind to progress to the second round, and they duly answered the call with an all-round performance that now sets them up against Gambia in October.We are through to next round of the WAFCON qualifiers! 👏#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/RLG3Ygmvyw— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025 And having failed to get one of their many opportunities to go in what was a frustrating barren draw on home soil last week, Starlets took little to no time in seizing this one, taking the lead inside the first nine minutes.It all came from the hosts’ own undoing, as a poorly cleared ball fell to the path of Tereza Engesha, who took a touch and cut into the edge of the box before unleashing a low shot that slipped between the arms of keeper Zohra Jelassi and into the bottom corner.A golden goal by Terry Engesha 😁#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/CFBQyzy1q9— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025 With their first real chance under the lights, Beldine Odemba’s charges were in the lead, and almost put the tie to bed soon after.Engesha, bursting through midfield, could not get her footing right when inside the box, while the other change to last week’s stalemate – Jentrix Shikangwa – fired over after being fed by Mwanahalima Adam.On the other end, Kenya’s defense stood firm despite coming up against a barrage of forays from skillful wingers Ella Kaabachi and Salma Zemzem.##NAJAVA_MECA_8736097##Left back Janet Mumo especially looked vulnerable, but everytime Zemzem got past her, Awuor came to the rescue.After some rather comfortable saves from long range Tunisian efforts, Awuor was called into action in the last minute of a rainy first-half, after Mumo had cleared Zemzem.Up stepped Kaabachi with the strike, only for Awuor to guess right, repelling the effort, and amazingly blocking a rapid follow-up from Chirine Lamti.Lillian’s penalty save from the first half 🙌#HarambeeStarlets pic.twitter.com/sBLo3FKZvZ— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025 On the resulting counter, Elizabeth Wambui teed up a free Shikangwa inside the box, only for the Simba striker to slip up, handling the ball as a result.The second period saw Kenya endure more Tunisia advances, and were once again saluting the efforts of Awuor in goal.The Farul Constanta keeper flew out of her box to keep out Kaabachi immediately after the break, and her towering figure saw her handle any set pieces that came her direction.BREAKING: Blow to AFC Leopards, Gor Mahia as Mashemeji Derby postponed once againHer only blip in hindsight, came from the other moment she rightfully grabbed the headlines, after she failed to handle a tame 75th minute cross from the right, allowing Sabrine Ellouzi to pounce, while tripping her in the process.Another penalty, another save for Awuor as she this time dived to her left to easily collect Ellouzi’s attempt from the spot.77′ Another one!!! Lillian Awuor saves yet another penalty wowTunisia 0-1Kenya#HarambeeStarlets— Harambee Starlets (@StarletsKE) February 26, 2025 Her night was not about to be spoiled, a win in the North duly delivered by the team, and their reported under-fire technical bench.
