- Harambee Starlets defeated Uganda 4-0 in their second match of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.
- The match was played on Tuesday, June 17, at the Azam Complex in Tanzania.
- Kenya’s goals were scored by Diana Wacera, Dorcas Shikobe, Violet Nanjala, and Martha Amunyolet.
Kenya’s national women’s senior team, the Harambee Starlets, continued their impressive performance at the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship, securing a commanding 4-0 win over regional rivals Uganda on Tuesday evening at the Azam Complex.
Following their dominant 0-3 win over Burundi on Sunday, the Starlets showcased both consistency and versatility with a fresh set of scorers.
Diana Wacera broke the deadlock, Dorcas Shikobe doubled the lead, and Violet Nanjala added a third – all before halftime.
Martha Amunyolet sealed the victory with a fourth goal in the second half, marking her third strike of the tournament and ensuring Kenya’s dominance over Uganda, whom they last lost to in 2018.
With the tournament doubling as a preparatory platform for the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers against Gambia, head coach Beldine Odemba made six tactical chnages to the starting lineup from their opener.
Goalkeeper Anne Kundu, along with Elizabeth Ochaka, Tabitha Amoit, Alice Mideri, and Medina Abubakar, were replaced by Lillian Awuor, Ruth Ingosi, Enez Mango, Lavender Akinyi, and Fasila Odhiambo respectively.
The game began with both sides trading threatening advances, each creating two early chances, though neither managed to capitalize.
Uganda nearly struck first when Jovia Nakagolo received a well-placed ball from the right wing but blasted it over the bar.
Kenya’s defense faltered momentarily as Uganda’s Sylvia Kabene broke through, but Lillian Awuor made a crucial stop, preserving parity.
The momentum shifted quickly as Kenya launched a rapid counterattack down the left flank.
Tumaini Waliaula unleashed a shot that forced Uganda keeper Lillian Nakiilya into a save, leading to a corner.
The set-piece was delivered masterfully, with captain Dorcas Shikobe executing a bicycle kick assist that Wacera headed in for the opener in the 18th minute.
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Just eight minutes later, Shikobe, who plays for Greek side Sirines of Grevena turned scorer, finishing cleanly after a clever back-pass from Wacera, who had received the ball from Amunyolet.
Harambee Starlets extended their lead only three minutes later when Nanjala converted a well delivery from midfield orchestrated by Wacera, giving the Starlets a 3-0 lead by the 29th minute.
Odemba’s squad maintained relentless pressure throughout the first half, frustrating Uganda’s attempts to break through.
The second half saw Uganda come out with renewed intensity, dominating the opening 30 minutes.
However, their efforts were in vain as they squandered numerous chances, while Kenya’s defense remained unyielding.
Faith Mboaya, who had come off the bench to score against Burundi, nearly repeated her heroics.
Her dazzling footwork on the right wing led to a shot aimed at the far post, but it struck the woodwork, denying her a second tournament goal.
In the 81st minute, Amunyolet put the match beyond doubt with a well-timed header, expertly assisted by Shikobe, who ended the match with a goal and two assists.
Amunyolet now leads the team’s scoring chart with three goals in two matches.
Despite numerous substitutions and opportunities, Uganda failed to find the net and suffered their second loss of the tournament.They had earlier thrashed South Sudan 5-0.
Harambee Starlets, now riding high with two consecutive victories, will next face South Sudan on Thursday, June 19.
Harambee Starlets vs Uganda line up
Kenya
Lillian Awuor, Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Lavender Akinyi, Vivian Nasaka, Fasila Odhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Diana Wacera, Violet Nanjala, Tumaini Waliaula
Substitutes
Anney Kundu, Elizabeth Ochaka, Tabitha Amoit, Alice Mideri, Medina Abubakar, Janet Mumo, Emily Morang’a, Faith Mboaya, Swaum Nanjala
Uganda
Lillian Nakiilya, Jolly Kobusinge, Desire Katisi, Zainah Namuleme, Margret Kunihira, Jovia Nakagolo, Shamirah Nalugya, Sylvia Kabene, Docus Lwalisa, Jamilah Nabulume, Zainah Nandede
Substitutes
Sumayah Nabuto, Brenda Munyana, Shakirah Nankwanga, Daisy Nakaziro, Esther Namusoke, Hasifah Patricia, Zidah Asiiimwe
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