Harambee Starlets beat Burundi 4-0 to reach CECAFA Semis

Neddy Atieno scored twice on Tuesday as Harambee Starlets beat Burundi 4-0 to go top of Group A with six points from two matches in CECAFA women football tournament at the Technical Centre, Njeru in Uganda.

Mary Kinuthia and Esse Akida scored a goal each to give the Kenyans a 100 per cent record.

Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma kept the squad that beat Uganda 4-0 in their opening match.

Burundi head coach Daniella Niyibimenya made a double change from the first match bringing in Sakina Saidi and Souzane Zilfa for Maggy Mumezero and Sandra Miyonkuru.

Kenya started on a high and their efforts almost bore fruit when Burundi conceded a free kick outside the goal area but Mary Kinuthia's shot was feeble  and Belida Ndoraraho picked it easily.

In the ninth minute, the Kenyan girls were at it again, and got another free kick from the same position but it did not result in to a goal.

Burundi replied with Asha Jafali troubling the Kenyan defense but Irene Ogutu cleared the ball for a throw-in.

Burundi pressed on again with the Kenyan custodian Vivian Akinyi put to task for the first time of the game.

Three minutes later, Kenya was denied a goal with the first assistant referee finding Akida in an offside position. Atieno finally found the back of the net after a mix up at the Burundi’s penalty area in 27th minute.

Kenya continued with the attacks and Mary Kinuthia slotted home a second in the 32nd minute to extend the lead.

Akida score the third in the 45th minute to cement the lead.

Atieno scored her second of the match immediately after the break to give Kenya an insurmountable lead.

Kenya’s coach Ouma made three substitutions with Neddy Atieno, Esse Akida and Carolyne Anyango paving way for Coarazon Aquino, Christine Nafula and Jacky Ogol.