Football fans have expressed their views and feelings after the national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, lost the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship to Tanzania.In a match played on Saturday, 21 June at the Azam Complex, Tanzania won 1-0 thanks to Enez Mango’s own goal.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsHeading to the match, Kenya and Tanzania were tied on nine points, with the latter leading thanks to their superior goal difference. ##NAJAVA_MECA_8986685##Mozzart Sport sampled some of the reactions after the team failed to recapture the title they last won in 2019.“You (Harambee Starlets) did well. Just a few mistakes like turning with the ball and control that the coaches should work on before we meet The Gambia,” Oliver Otutu posted on Harambee Starlets’ Facebook page.On the same page, Robert Omondi attributed the loss to Tanzania to Kenya’s physical deficiency and lack of an imposing striker.“We do not have strikers who can force their way into the box and shoot. Let’s look for a lethal striker. We also need to work on our physicality. We faced a Tanzanian side that was way more physical and capitalized on that to win against us. Maybe the likes of Shikangwa could have helped us. Otherwise, it was a good outing,” said Omondi.Kenyan duo cap off impressive weekend with goals in Tanzanian leagueDespite losing the title, majority of fans appeared to praise Kenya’s performance in the tournament, even though they were quick to point out a few areas that need improvement.“Congratulations on the spirited performance. We can improve with a better organization on our defense, communication, and the chemistry within the defense was not so great. Our attacking play can get better with good creative players in the final third. Overall, a good performance from the girls. Martha (Amunyolet)was such a standout player in the tournament,” said Alban Ojiambo.Dennis Omondi was equally impressed with the Beldine Odemba-coached side, predicting better days.“Though today’s result against Taifa Starlets was not what we hoped for, your courage, skill, and determination throughout the tournament have been truly inspiring. You fought with heart and represented Kenya with pride, showing the true spirit of champions. Remember, every challenge is a stepping stone to greater victories ahead. Keep your heads high and continue to push forward—your journey is far from over, and we stand behind you all the way. Thank you for your hard work and passion; you make us proud!”Gor Mahia soothe FKFPL title loss to Police FC with hundreds of thousandsOn his part, Ali Sudi Kabati said Kenya had a blunt Tanzania attack to thank for the scoreline.“Well done, Starlets. However, you were shaky, not settled, especially in midfield. Long high balls led to the poor performance. The Twiga’s (Tanzania) outsmarted you, we are lucky they had poor strikers, it could have been a whitewash.”Harambee Starlets’ performance also drew praise from Tanzanian Vencheslao Mghani, who also took time on Facebook to express his views.“While I take immense pride in the triumph of my team from Tanzania, I must also extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Kenyan girls for their commendable performance. You possess a formidable team; remain steadfast and do not despair,” he stated.Tottenham Hotspur striker enjoying holiday in Kenya after Europa League triumphKenya was using the tournament as part of their preparations for the third and final round of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier against The Gambia.Kenya will host the first leg of the tie in Nairobi on 20 October, with the return date set for the same date in Banjul, Gambia – an error in the fixture that is yet to be corrected.The winner of the tie will book a place in the 2026 WAFCON that will take place in Morocco for the third consecutive time.
