Harambee Starlets are facing a crucial second-leg clash against Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles Femeni in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers, with the threat of elimination looming. The team must secure a scoring draw or a win in Tunis to advance to the next round after being held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in the first leg at home.
Despite dominating possession and creating numerous chances, the Kenyan team struggled to break down Tunisia’s resolute defense. The first-leg result left the Starlets with much to prove, especially as they now face the daunting task of playing away in Tunisia, with the Stade Olympique de Sousse being the setting for this decisive encounter.
Striker Mwanahalima Adam, who plays for Kansas City in the United States, reflected on the first leg’s missed opportunities. Adam admitted that while the team played well, they were unlucky not to capitalize on their chances. Despite the setback, she remains hopeful and confident ahead of the return fixture. “We did our best but unfortunately we couldn’t get the goals that we needed so much. It was a tough game and with the chances we had, we should have done better. But we have that behind our backs, and we promise to correct and do better in the second leg. It will be tougher, but we are a tougher team as well,” said Adam. Her determination is clear, as she emphasized the team’s focus on qualification for the WAFCON.
The first leg saw head coach Beldine Odemba fielding a strong lineup, including key players like Adam and team captain Dorcas Shikobe. However, Tunisia’s well-organized defense was a tough obstacle, and despite a majority of the possession and several attacking moves, Kenya was unable to break through. Midfielder Corazone Aquino was one of the standout players for the Starlets, orchestrating the team’s offensive play. She had a promising chance in the 40th minute, combining well with Adam inside the Tunisian penalty area, but their attempt ended in disappointment as the ball rolled out of play.
Tunisia also had moments of danger despite their defensive focus. The most notable moment came in the second half when Samia Aouni’s powerful free-kick struck the crossbar, narrowly missing the goal after beating Kenyan goalkeeper Lillian Awuor. This close call served as a reminder that Tunisia could pose a threat on the counterattack.
Looking ahead to the return fixture, Aquino remains optimistic and believes the team can improve upon the mistakes made in the first leg. “We have seen our mistakes, and we still have time to correct them before the next match,” she said. With such an important match ahead, the Starlets will be keen to refine their attacking strategy and be more clinical in front of goal.
Kenya’s coach, Beldine Odemba, is expected to make tactical adjustments for the second leg. The Starlets must ensure they are more effective in converting their chances, and they will need to be wary of Tunisia’s counterattacks. It is clear that this match will be a test of the Starlets’ resilience and ability to perform under pressure, especially with the added challenge of playing away from home.
The match is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, and with a spot in the final qualification round at stake, the Harambee Starlets are determined to give their all. They will need a spirited performance to overcome Tunisia and keep their dream of reaching the WAFCON finals alive. The pressure is on, but the team is ready for the challenge ahead.
