Harambee Starlets sinks Uganda Crested Cranes 4-0 in international game at the Kisumu Stadium

Kenya women football national team, Harambee Starlets

Harambee Starlets beat Crested Cranes of Uganda 4-0 in an international friendly match at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Mary Kinuthia grabbed a brace with Wendy Achieng and Esse Akida on target for the hosts. Kinuthia opened the scores from the spot in the 23rd minute when Esse Akida was brought down in the goal area by Christine Nalinge.

Achieng stretched Kenya’s lead in added time of the first half, looping in a free kick past Namulande Zainab who was brought in for Fatuma Matoru Kim.

Uganda started off on a high, making inroads into the Kenya’s goal with Nassuna Hasita, Nabweteme Sandra and Magadya Naume, troubling Starlets goalkeeper Samantha Akinyi.

However, once the Kenyan side settled, they took the game to the visitors with Irene Ogutu Awuor and Achieng supplying Atieno, Mbeyu Akida and Tabaka Chacha.

Kenya could have gone ahead in the 11th, but Akida failed to tap in a Atieno’s cross with only Ugandan goalkeeper Matoru to beat.

Kenya pilled more pressure with the combination of Neddy, Akida and Chacha raiding the goal mouth of the Crested Cranes.

Akida latched on a loose ball in the 20th, but sent her effort above the bar before she was brought down in the 22nd by Christine Nabinge for Kinuthia to convert the resultant penalty.

Referee Caroline Wanjala called for a water break as the scorching sun took toll on the players and the match officials.

The Kisumu County fire engine then cooled the turf by sprinkling water on the artificial turf.

The two teams will now focus on the CECAFA Championship that will be staged in August 2016 in Kampala Uganda.