Cosafa: Kenya lose to Zambia in Cosafa play-off contest
Football
By
Rebecca Jebet
| Sep 24, 2017
Harambee Starlets lost to Zambia in the play-offs at the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Women’s Championship at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, yesterday.
The two teams drew 1-1 in regular time and lost 4-2 in post penalties. Neddy Atieno opened the score sheet in the 30th minute for Kenya but Zambia’s Barbra Banda equalised in the 72nd minute.
Dorcas Shikobe and Neddy Atieno converted for Kenya with Lucy Mukhwana and Puline Musungu missing. Ireen Lungu, Anita Mulenga, Lweendo Chisamu and Misozi Zulu converted to ensure the Zambians’ bag bronze.
In the third play-off, Kenya lost 4-0 to defending champions and hosts Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe while Zambia lost to Banyana Banyana of South Africa 5-3 in penalty shoot outs after a 3-3 draw in regular time.
Starlets coach Richard Kanyi made three changes in the squad that lost to Zimbabwe with Mercy Achieng coming in for Lucy Mukhwana, Phoebe Owiti coming in for Caroline Kiget and team captain Wendy Achieng benched while Cheris Avilia took charge at the mid field.
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Despite having missed the first two matches in the tournament, Pauline Atieno soaked in four goals against Zimbabwe in her first match of the tournament. Kanyi had confidence in her and included her in the starting 11 in the Zambia clash –thanks to her experience in goal keeping.
Kenya started well piling pressure on their opponents which saw them make blunders. [Rebecca Jebet]