- Harambee Starlets beat South Sudan 4-0 to extend their dominance in the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.
- The match was played on Thursday, June 19, at the Azam Complex in Tanzania.
- Faith Mboya, Violet Nanjala, Martha Amunyolet, and Elizabeth Ochaka were the four scorers for Kenya as they prepare to face hosts Twiga Stars in their final match on Saturday.
Red hot Vihiga Queens midfield Martha Amunyolet netted her fourth goal of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship, inspiring Harambee Starlets to a commanding 4-0 win over South Sudan’s Bright Starlets on Thursday evening.
Staged at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, the match saw Kibera Soccer Women Star Faith Mboya, earning her first start in the tournament – break the deadlock early with her second goal of the competition.
Captain Violet Wanjala added the second goal, while Vivian Nasaka sealed the fourth in the dying minutes, as the Kenyan defense secured its third consecutive clean sheet.
With this result, Kenya now tops the standings with nine points, following dominant wins over Burundi (3-0) and Uganda (4-0).
They leapfrogged the hosts, Tanzania’s Twiga Stars, who are yet to face Uganda in their third match.
Kenya now stands just one win away from reclaiming the CECAFA crown they last lifted in 2019 after a 2-0 victory over Tanzania in the final.
ALSO READ: Rampant Harambee Starlets thrash Uganda to extend perfect CECAFA start
Harambee Starlets early pressure pays off
Coach Beldine Odemba’s charges began the game with their trademark high intensity, pressing from the onset.
Just two minutes in, Mboya coolly slotted home after a crisp buildup justifying her place in the starting XI with a composed finish that echoed her goal against Burundi.
Contrary to their sharpness in earlier matches against Uganda and Burundi, the Starlets created fewer opportunities this time, managing only two clear chances after Mboya’s opener but failing to convert.
Meanwhile, Bright Starlets defended resolutely to avoid further errors, yet they posed no real threat to Kenya’s goal in the first half, leaving Annedy Kundu largely untested as the teams headed into the break with Kenya ahead.
Violet Nanjala strike sets the tone
The second half mirrored the first, with Kenya doubling their lead just two minutes in.
Captain Violet Nanjala unleashed a precise low drive from outside the box that sailed past goalkeeper Nawal Isaac for her second goal of the tournament.
Nanjala nearly added another moments later with a fierce strike from the right wing, but Isaac produced a superb save to deny her. Kenya continued to dominate, creating numerous chances.
ALSO READ: Harambee Starlets off to a perfect start in CECAFA opener against Burundi
Eventually, the relentless pressure paid off as the sensational Martha Amunyolet etched her name onto the scoresheet with a stunning volley from a short corner, rifling the ball into the net to extend Kenya’s lead to 3-0 and notch her fourth goal of the championship.
With just a few seconds remaining in the match, Junior Starlets defender Elizabeth Ochaka scored Kenya’s fourth goal with a brilliant header from a well-delivered corner kick by Amunyolet.
Despite making multiple substitutions, Simon Yor’s South Sudan side failed to register a single shot on target.
They remain the only team in the tournament without a goal or a win to their name, while Kenya looks unstoppable heading into the final clash against hosts Tanzania on Saturday, June 21.
Harambee Starlets vs South Sudan match lineups
Kenya Starting XI
Annedy Kundu (GK), Elizabeth Ochaka, Tabitha Amoit, Alice Mideri, Medina Abubakar, Janet Mumo, Martha Amunyolet, Emily Morang’a, Tumaini Waliaula, Violet Nanjala (Captain), Faith Mboya
Substitutes
Lilian Awuor (GK), Diana Wacera, Swaum Nanjala, Fasila Adhiambo, Lavender Ann Akinyi, Ruth Ingosi, Vivian Nasaka, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango
South Sudan starting XI
Nawal Isaac GK), Ambayo Mandera, Monic Nakamu, Amuna Kenneth, Sumaya Malili, Amama Issa, Mary Bol, Paska John, Ludia Maika, Esther Wani, Awut Madut
Substitutes
Margreat Mande, Madong Jeska, Vivian Kayungu, Nyamam Deng, Brenda Munyana, Ayiet Upel, Aniet Mayol
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