- Harambee Starlets suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tanzania in their final match of the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship that was played at the Azam Sports Complex on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
- The Harambee Starlets vs Tanzania match was decided by an own goal from Kenyan defender Enez Mango.
- Harambee Starlets won a total of three matches in the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.
After a brilliant run that saw them hammer their opponents, Harambee Starlets’ dream of lifting the 2025 CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship title came to a painful end, as Tanzania dispatched a decisive blow.
The thrilling match that was played at the Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam, saw Harambee Starlets suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tanzania, who enjoyed support from their home fans.
The match started at electric pace with both Harambee Starlets and Tanzanian players showing positive signs.
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Harambee Starlets struggle in the first half against Tanzania
However, as the clock ticked, Tanzania began to control the midfield, creating several goal scoring chances.
The first golden chance of the match fell to Opa Clement in the 23rd minute, who fired a shot that was well dealt with by Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awour.
After missing the opportunity, Twiga Stars continued to show why they are one of the best women’s football team in the East Africa region, causing Harambee Starlets constant problems.
Kenya went on to create their first chance of the game a few minutes later which fell to Fasila Adhiambo, who unleashed a powerful shot that was punched away by Twiga Stars shot stopper Najiat Abbas.
Despite the entertaining football, none of the ends managed to find the breakthrough in the first half.
Harambee Starlets’ blunder benefits Twiga Stars
Nonetheless, Tanzania returned from the break with increased hunger for success and their efforts were awarded in the 49th minute when lack of proper communication between Harambee Starlets goalkeeper and Enez Mango resulted in an own goal, with the latter directing the ball into the net.
The goal awoken Twiga Stars supporters who had turned out in larger numbers to support their team.
After going 1-0 down, Harambee Starlets players tried their best to find an equalizer but luck was not on their side, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat.
The victory will improve the morale of Tanzanian players as they prepare for the upcoming Women African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament that is scheduled to be held in Morocco later this year.
As for the Harambee Starlets, they will return to the drawing board and prepare well for upcoming matches.
Harambee Starlets and Tanzania dominate 2025 CECAFA senior women’s championship
Harambee Starlets and Tanzania dominated the five-team CECAFA tournament on their way to the deciding fixture.
The hosts, who are currently ranked 137th in the FIFA rankings, hammered Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda.
Similar to Tanzania, Harambee Starlets also secured victories against the three countries.
The Kenyan side hammered Uganda and Sudan 4-0 each after securing a 3-0 win in their opening match against Burundi.
How Harambee Starlets and Tanzania lined up for the match
Tanzania’s starting eleven
Idrisa Najiat, Asha Omary, Anastazia Katunzi, Ester Maseke, Vioeth Mwamakamba, Donisia Minja, Janeth Christopher, Diana Lucas, Opa Clement, Clara Luvanga, Stumai Abdallah
subs
Asha Mrisho, Winfrida Gerald, Maimuna Kaimu, Christer John, Lidya Maximillian, Jamila Rajabu, Aisha Juma, Fatuma Issa, Hasnath Ubamba
Harambee Starlets’ starting eleven
Lilian Awour, Ruth Ingosi, Dorcas Shikobe, Enez Mango, Lavender Ann Akinyi, Vivian Nasaka, Diana Wacera, Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, Violet Nanjala, Tumaini Waliaula
subs
Annedy Kundu, Emily Morang’a, Elizabeth Ochaka, Swaum Nanjala, Alice Mideri, Tabitha Amoit, Faith Mboya, Janet Mumo, Medina Abubakar
ALSO READ: Rampant Harambee Starlets thrash Uganda to extend perfect CECAFA start