Kenya begin African Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers on a winning note

Harambee Starlets in a tussle for ball possession against Uganda at Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos [Boniface Okendo,Standard]

National women’s football team, Harambee Starlets edged Uganda’s Crested Cranes 1-0 in Machakos yesterday to take a slim lead from the first leg of their African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) qualifiers.

The lone goal was netted in the 52th when Lilian Adera unleashed a powerful shot at the edge of the box to put the 2016 AWCON finalists into the driving seat.

The winner on aggregate in the return leg slated for Sunday (April 8) in Lugogo, Uganda will meet Equatorial Guinea in the second round of the qualifiers with winners booking a ticket to the continental finals in Ghana.

This was Kenya’s third win against the Ugandans in less than two years after winning by an identical scoreline of 4-0 in a friendly match and a CECAFA Women’s Senior Challenge Cup encounter.

David Ouma’s charges could have taken an early lead in the fifth minute but Neddy Atieno fluffed her effort before goalkeeper Ruth Aturo came off her line to deny Atieno another scoring opportunity.

The visitors responded immediately but Hasifa Nassuna’s header went agonizingly over the bar. Moments later, Atieno, who was a thorn in the Ugandans’ defence, shot directly to the keeper.

Esse Akida should have broken the deadlock at the half hour mark when she received a long ball at the edge of the box, but her shot went over the bar as Kenyans intensified their attack.

Atieno was thought to have put the hosts ahead in the 34th minute only for defender Nakayenze Yudaya to make a brilliant goal-line clearance.

Starlets captain Mwanahalima Adam then miserably failed to connect Atieno’s delivery from the left flank before Elizabeth Ambogo perfectly intercepted Nassuna’s dangerous cross from the right flank.

Kenya picked from where they left in the first half with Ouma making a tactical change bringing on Vihiga Queens striker Corazone Aquino for Cythia Shilwasto.

After a series of raids, the hosts finally found the breakthrough in the 52nd minute through Adera’s effort that flew past a hapless Cranes’ custodian.

Aquino had a chance to double the lead in the 65th minute when Aturo parried Adam’s shot into the path of the lanky striker, but her attempt went wide.