Tunisia held Harambee Starlets to a goalless draw in their WAFCON 2026 qualifier on Friday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, squandering several opportunities to secure a crucial victory.
Despite dominating possession, Kenya failed to convert their opportunities, leaving them disappointed in their quest for a second WAFCON appearance after their debut in 2016.
Mwanalima Adam had Kenya’s best chances but was unable to score. Tunisia, preparing for this year’s WAFCON, posed some early threats but later took a more defensive stance, employing tenacious defence and time-wasting tactics to frustrate the Starlets.
With the draw, the Starlets extended their 19-year unbeaten streak in home WAFCON qualifiers, but they now face a daunting task in the away leg scheduled for Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Kenya’s coach, Beldine Odemba, used a 4-3-3 formation, with Lilian Awuor starting in goal instead of Annedy Kundu. Dorcas Sikobe captained the team as centre-back, partnered by Ruth Ingosi, while Enez Mango and Jane Mumo played fullback. Corazone Aquino and Lavender Akinyi formed a double pivot behind Fasila Odhiambo, who provided support for Adam, Cynthia Shilwatso, and Elizabeth Wambui.
Starlets came out strong, creating several early opportunities. Adam’s shot went just over the bar in the first minute, and Akinyi’s lob from midfield worried Tunisian custodian Zohara Jelassi. A few moments later, Shilwatso flicked Wambui’s cross into Adam’s path, but her acrobatic volley went wide.
Tunisia quickly settled into the game and started to threaten. Despite Kenya’s early dominance, sloppy passing allowed Tunisia to exploit gaps, forcing Awuor into a save from Ella Kaabachi in the 25th minute. Salma Zemzem also came close, hitting the side netting in the 29th minute.
The Starlets continued to create opportunities, but lacked composure in front of goal. Odhiambo squandered a one-on-one opportunity, and Mumo’s determined run ended with a weak shot directly at Jelassi. In the 41st minute, Adam found Aquino in the box, but her shot was deflected into the goalkeeper’s hands.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Kenya maintaining possession but unable to penetrate Tunisia’s strong defence. Adam’s weak shot in the 47th minute was easily saved, and Kenya resorted to long-range attempts that missed the mark. Aquino remained Kenya’s most dynamic midfielder, intercepting passes and driving forward, despite committing a foul in the 67th minute.
In the 78th minute, Kenya’s penalty appeal was denied after Jelassi collided with Adam in the box. The Starlets pushed for a breakthrough in the final 10 minutes, causing even more frustration. Adam headed narrowly wide in the 88th minute, and in stoppage time, Ingosi missed Adam’s well-placed cross, while Sikobe shot wide after cutting inside from the right.
Tunisia held firm to earn a hard-fought draw, giving Kenya everything to play for in the second leg. The Starlets now need a positive result away to keep their chances of qualifying for the 2026 WAFCON alive.
A win would propel them to the final round, where they would face either Gambia or Niger, with Gambia leading 2-0 after the first leg.
