- The Kenya national women’s football team, Harambee Starlets, will kick off their 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship campaign against Burundi on Sunday, April 15.
- The much-anticipated clash is scheduled to take place at the Azam Complex from 4:00 PM East African Time (EAT).
- In their last two meetings, Burundi is yet to defeat Kenya.
Harambee Starlets will launch their 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship campaign on Sunday, June 15, when they face off against Burundi at the Azam Complex in Tanzania at 4.00PM.
The Starlets, who were crowned champions in the 2019 edition, are yet to register a victory in their last three outings.
Their most recent triumph came on February 26 this year when they edged Tunisia 1-0 in the first leg of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers held in Tunis.
Since then, coach Beldine Odemba’s side has featured in three international friendlies without tasting victory.
They suffered back-to-back 2-0 defeats against Ivory Coast and were thrashed 5-1 by Morocco in a recent warm-up match.
Despite the setbacks, Kenya aims to utilize the CECAFA tournament as a crucial platform to regroup and fine-tune their tactics ahead of the decisive second round of the WAFCON qualifiers, where they are set to clash with Gambia in October.
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The Starlets are seeking a return to the continental stage, having last participated in the tournament in 2016.
Burundi, on the other hand, are off to a flying start.
They stunned defending champions Uganda 1-0 on Thursday to mark an emphatic opening.
After a goalless first half in which Uganda’s Crested Cranes dominated possession and created several chances, Esperance Habonimana broke the deadlock with a sublime free-kick in the 75th minute.
This encounter promises to be a stern test for Kenya, as Burundi seeks to extend their momentum.
Ingosi confident Harambee Starlets will use CECAFA as springboard to WAFCON
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Harambee Starlets captain Ruth Ingosi emphasized the importance of the tournament as part of their WAFCON preparations.
The training has been good for the CECAFA tournament. The players are motivated, and we are really ready for the tournament. We hope that this tournament will help us prepare for the upcoming WAFCON matches against Gambia, and I’m really hopeful that if we get ready enough, we will qualify for AFCON,” Ingosi stated.
Kenya vs Burundi h2h
Historically, Kenya holds the upper hand in past encounters with Burundi.
The two teams first locked horns in the 2016 CECAFA edition, where Kenya emerged 4-0 winners in the group stage.
They met again in the 2019 semifinals, with Kenya cruising to a commanding 5-0 victory before defeating hosts Tanzania 2-0 in the final.
ALSO READ: Corazon Aquino out: Harambee Starlets ace emotional CECAFA Withdrawal
Coach Odemba will be hoping for a repeat performance but will be without influential midfielder Corazon Aquino, who withdrew from the squad earlier this week.
In her absence, the midfield responsibilities will fall on the shoulders of Diana Wacera, Lavender Ann Akinyi, Martha Amunyolet, and Medina Abubakar.
The attack will be spearheaded by Faith Mboya and Emily Morang’a, who are expected to lead the frontline with energy and precision.
Harambee Starlets squad for the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship
Goalkeepers
Lilian Awour, Vivian Shiyonzo, Annedy Kundu
Defenders
Alice Mideri, Elizabeth Ochaka, Janet Mumo, Tabitha Amoit, Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango, Dorcas Shikobe, Vivian Nasaka
Midfielders
Diana Wacera, Lavender Ann Akinyi, Martha Amunyolet, Fasila Adhiambo, Medina Abubakar Hussein
Forwards
Elizabeth Wambui, Faith Mboya, Emily Morang’a, Violet Nanjala, Swaum Nanjaka Masungo, Tumaini Waliaula
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