Harambee Starlets face Burundi test in Dar

Harambee Starlets players celebrate after beating Tunisia 1-0 in a Women Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Souse, Tunisia on February 26, 2025. [FKF Media]

Harambee Starlets midfielder Medina Abubakar is confident Kenya has the quality to emerge victorious in Tanzania as they prepare to face Burundi in their CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship opening match today at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

Starlets are seeking redemption after coming from a 5-1 heavy defeat to Morocco in their last friendly match played last week and will be hoping to turn around their poor show into wins.

Speaking ahead of the encounter with Burundi, who picked a narrow 1-0 victory over Uganda in their opening encounter played on Friday, Abubakar said they have rectified their mistakes and worked out their tactics ahead of the 4pm encounter.

“I am very proud to be part of the team. Training has been good and we want to go for the title. Representing Kenya is special and I will give my best,” said Abubakar.

The championship will feature five teams playing in a round robin format. Kenya will also play Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan.

The tournament serves as a build-up to the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final round qualifier against Gambia, and head coach Beldine Odemba is keen to build a stronger squad.

Odemba named a 23-player squad that will feature in the tourney that runs from June 12 to June 22, with Kenya aiming to return to the continental stage for the first time since making their debut in 2016.

Among the notable additions to the squad are Kibera Soccer Women’s midfielder Medina Abubakar Hussein and Vihiga Queens forward Swaum Nanjaka Masungo, who earned their first senior team call-ups

“The past two days' training has been good. The mood in the camp is very encouraging. Every player in the team has pushed herself to their limits, and we shall do our best,” said Vivian Nasaka.