Second-half substitute Cynthia Shilawatso scored the lone goal for Starlets, whipping hard a freekick few yards from the box to even the scores on aggregate.
Harambee Starlets sailed to the second round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after eliminating the highly-rated Cameroon at the Nyayo National Stadium.
Starlets did it the hard way, beating the Indomitable Lionesses 4-3 on post-match penalties after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
Cameroon won the first leg 1-0 in Douala last Friday with Starlets reaping a similar result on Tuesday inside regular time, forcing the winner to be determined from the spot.
In a well- attended match, Starlets enjoyed spells of dominance but couldn’t make it count thanks to the strong defense mounted by the visiting team.
Second-half substitute Cynthia Shilawatso scored the lone goal for Starlets, whipping hard a freekick few yards from the box to even the scores on aggregate.
Shilawatso, Sheril Angachi, Violet Nanjala and Mwanahalima Adam were all on target for Kenya in the penalty lotteries. Skipper Ruth Ingosi missed hers.
Ajara Njoya, Achta Toyo and Falone Tchedo scored for Cameroon with Kenyan goalkeeper Annedy Kundu saving Mayi Kith’s kick. Naomi Eto planted hers against the woodwork.
Starlets will need to beat Botswana in the second round so as to book a place in the finals slated for Morocco next year.
Botswana eliminated Gabon in the first round.
The second round of qualifiers are scheduled to be held between November 27 and December 5, 2023.