How Starlets defied odds to dismiss Tunisia and inch closer to 2026 Wafcon

A barren draw on home turf, a coach under fire, a third minute goal, two saved penalties and a surprise 1-0 victory at the Sousse Olympic Stadium, Tunisia sums up Harambee Starlets least expected qualification to the final round of the 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers.

Going into the second leg tie, all odds were against Starlets who needed to win against the North African football powerhouse to keep Wafcon dreams alive.

Not even history was on their side, for the Kenyan girls had for the past 19 years not won a single Wafcon qualification away match. However, Starlets could not let anything deter them from moving a step closer to their second Wafcon appearance.

"Get to the pitch, score a quick goal, destabilise them and destroy their game plan," perhaps that was coach Beldine Odemba's instruction to her charges ahead of the do-or-die clash for both sides.

It was a high stakes match for Odemba who was on the receiving end following Starlets goalless draw at Ulinzi Sports Complex. With the ticket to the second qualifying round at stake the tactician was determined to get it right and assure Kenyans that the first leg draw was just but an outcome of a not so good day in office.

Sharply criticised and accused of sidelining experienced players and poor fielding, Odemba made two key changes to her first 11 dropping Fasila Adhiambo and Cynthia Shilwatso for Tereza Engesha and Jentrix Shikangwa.

Engesha would prove that she indeed deserved a place in the starting lineup by netting the all-important goal three minutes into play.

The Kenyan defence was solid save for a few blunders that could have been costly had goalkeeper Lilian Awuor who had maintained her place between the posts fumbled.

Awour who was selected ahead of Annedy Kundu was remarkable. She ensured that Kenya remained in the game by making crucial saves including two penalties from unrelenting Eagles of Carthage who were under pressure to perform at home.

Awuor made her first penalty save in the 44th minute after Janet Mumo fouled Salma Zemzem in the box. Chirine Lamti had a chance to level the score for Tunisia but Awuor would not let her have her way, saving the spot kick to maintain Kenya's lead.

She redeemed herself after she brought down striker Rania Aouina in a one-on-one encounter by making her second penalty save in the 77th minute.

Only Gambia who eliminated Niger on 4-1 aggregate stand between Starlets and 2026 Wafcon. Gambia beat Niger 2-0 in the first leg then completed the task with a 2-1 win in their second tie.