Harambee Starlets ended their journey in the Pink Ladies Tournament with a convincing 4-1 victory over the Philippines at Emirhan Stadium on Wednesday, October 30.Kenya opened the scoring in the eighth minute when Elizabeth Mutukiza found the net after receiving an assist from Fasila Adhiambo.Mutukiza, who plays for Simba Queens in Tanzania, also forced the Philippines captain, Hali Long, to score an own goal as she struggled to control a powerful cross from the winger.Purity Alukwe and Fasila Adhiambo each added goals for Kenya, while Sarina Bolden scored the only goal for the Philippines.##NAJAVA_MECA_8456998##Kenya made two changes to the lineup that faced Russia, bringing back Lydia Akoth and Purity Alukwe to the starting eleven.The Starlets maintained controlled possession with quick link-ups in the final third and solid defending that kept the Philippines under pressure.Captain Ruth Ingosi’s strong play in midfield helped Kenya regain possession before she charged toward the goal in the seventh minute, creating a chance in the penalty area. Mutukiza took advantage of one such moment to fire Kenya’s first goal in the tournament.##NAJAVA_MECA_8456968##The Philippines had a chance to equalize in the 35th minute, but Sarina Bolden’s cross was poorly finished, with Hali Long’s strike going over the bar.Just two minutes later, Mutukiza’s quick run down the right flank sparked a counter-attack, resulting in Long inadvertently deflecting the ball into her own net as she tried to prevent a Kenyan attacker from reaching it. Kenya went into halftime with a 2-0 lead.The Philippines made two substitutions after the restart, which revived their energy.Bolden converted a penalty in the 67th minute to reduce the deficit, but Kenya responded almost immediately.Purity Alukwe unleashed a powerful shot from 25 yards, catching goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel off guard and restoring Kenya’s two-goal lead.SamWest Blackboots’ ambitious plan to construct an environmentally friendly stadiumIn the 79th minute, the Philippines thought they had scored again, but the goal was disallowed for offside on Bolden.Two minutes later, Fasila Adhiambo crowned her lively performance with a brilliant solo goal. The Ulinzi Starlets forward twisted past Angela Beard and fired from a tight angle, scoring Kenya’s fourth goal.Guided by head coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets return home with three points from three matches, having lost their first two games.Mathare United suspend quartet for taking part in unsanctioned friendly gameThe Pink Ladies Tournament featured four teams, including highly-ranked Russia and Chinese Taipei, providing Kenya an opportunity to showcase its talent on an international stage against opponents from Asia and Europe.This marked the first time in over two years that Kenya’s women’s team participated in an international friendly match.
