Friday was a crucial day for Kenyan football fans, as the Harambee Starlets faced Tunisia in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers. There was optimism that the team would secure a strong result at home, but a goalless draw at Ulinzi Sports Complex left more questions than answers.
As the dust settles, scrutiny has turned toward head coach Beldine Odemba’s squad selection and tactical decisions. With the return leg looming on Wednesday in Sousse, the Starlets now find themselves in a difficult position.
Tactical Missteps and Selection Dilemmas
Odemba’s lineup sparked debate even before kickoff, as several key players were left on the bench. One of the most puzzling decisions was the lack of a natural striker in the starting eleven. Instead, Mwanahalima “Dogo” Jereko was deployed as both a left winger and a makeshift forward. While she is a talented attacker, playing her out of position weakened the team’s offensive structure.
The impact of this decision was evident throughout the match. Kenya struggled to convert opportunities despite creating promising chances, particularly from the right flank. The left side of the attack was largely underutilized, despite the availability of players like Janet Moraa Bundi, Emily Morang’a, and Violet Nanjala, who could have provided more balance.
In midfield, Corazon Aquino, Fasilah Adhiambo, and Elizabeth Wambui worked hard to control possession. However, with Sheryl Shilwatso pushed forward, the link between midfield and attack was inconsistent. The disconnect resulted in a lack of fluidity, making it difficult for the Starlets to break down Tunisia’s defensive setup.
Late Substitutions and Questionable Exclusions
When Odemba eventually introduced striker Elizabeth Mideva in the second half, the expected shift in attacking threat did not materialize. The decision to keep proven goal scorers like Jentrix Shikangwa, Janet Moraa Bundi, and Violet Nanjala on the bench for most of the match raised eyebrows.
Shikangwa, who has been in exceptional form with Simba Queens, was only brought on in added time, leaving little opportunity for her to make an impact. It was a move that felt more like a desperate reaction rather than a planned tactical adjustment.
Another major talking point was the exclusion of in-form strikers from the starting lineup. Local league top scorer Rebecca Okwaro, who has netted 11 goals this season, was left out despite her impressive performances. Additionally, Simba Queens’ Shikangwa, who has 18 goals to her name, was not given a fair chance. Even Teresa Engesha, an experienced forward currently playing in South Korea, did not get a single minute on the pitch.
Defensively, Odemba’s decisions were equally surprising. The experienced Leila Apiyo, who plays in Greece, and Simba Queens’ Wincate Kaari were both left out. While the backline managed to keep a clean sheet, the lack of attacking firepower made the game feel like a wasted opportunity.
Missed Opportunities at Home
The Harambee Starlets had the perfect opportunity to take control of the tie while playing on home soil. Instead, the team now faces a difficult return leg in Tunisia, where the challenge will be even greater.
Odemba defended her choices after the match, insisting that the team executed the game plan but failed to convert chances. Midfielder Corazon Aquino echoed similar sentiments, also suggesting that biased officiating worked against Kenya. While those factors may have played a role, the team’s failure to capitalize on home advantage was largely due to tactical decisions that could have been avoided.
Odemba’s substitutions also did little to change the dynamics of the game. Making a double substitution in the dying minutes, with Shikangwa playing out of position, only added to the frustration of fans and analysts. These late changes did not allow the new players enough time to adjust and make a difference.
A Tough Task Ahead in Tunisia
With the second leg set for Wednesday, Odemba and her technical bench must reassess their strategy. The return leg in Tunisia will be a challenging fixture, and Kenya must approach it with a clear plan. The team must be more clinical in front of goal, and that means fielding proven goal scorers from the start.
A more balanced lineup, with a natural striker leading the attack, could significantly improve Kenya’s chances. The midfield must also maintain cohesion, ensuring a stronger link between possession and attack. In defense, the most experienced players should be selected to handle Tunisia’s offensive threats.
There is still hope for the Harambee Starlets to turn things around, but another miscalculated selection could prove costly. The question remains—will Odemba make the right choices this time?
