Harambee Starlets left frustrated as Tunisia hold firm in 2026 WAFCON qualifier stalemate

Corazone Aquino battles for possession against Tunisia’s Yostra Mohamoud. (Photo: FKF)

Harambee Starlets left frustrated as Tunisia hold firm in 2026 WAFCON qualifier stalemate

Stephen Awino 17:06 - 21.02.2025

Kenya will need a strong performance in the return leg after Harambee Starlets were held to a frustrating draw by Tunisia.

Kenya and Tunisia played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi on Friday.

Despite several attacking opportunities from both sides neither team could break the deadlock,leaving the tie wide open ahead of the return leg.

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba fielded a strong starting lineup featuring key players such as Mwanahalima “Dogo” Adam Jereko and captain Dorcas Shikobe.

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The hosts controlled possession for large spells of the game but struggled to convert their chances against a well-organized Tunisian defense.

Starlets asserted their dominance in the opening 10 minutes, with Jereko calling Tunisian shot-stopper Zhora Jelassi into action in the 11th minute but the Tunisian was alert.

Tunisia’s game plan worked effectively as they sat back and caught Starlets on the break in the 26th minute through Ella Kabaachi, but her chance was skied.

The first half proved wasteful, with neither side truly testing the goalkeepers, though Starlets maintained their dominance in possession.

Jereko continued to be a threat for the North Africans, knocking for the opener again in the 40th minute.

The forward combined well with Corazone Aquino within Tunisia’s 18-yard area, but their efforts bore no fruit as the ball rolled out of play, leaving both teams level at 0-0 heading into halftime.

The second half played out similarly, with Kenya on the attack, urged forward by the home supporters, while Tunisia picked their moments to trouble the Starlets.

Starlets nearly found the opener early upon resumption when Corazone’s cross found Jereko in the box in the 46th minute, but the forward could not get it on target.

Odemba’s charges were nearly punished in the 52nd minute when Tunisia came close to breaking the deadlock.

Samia Aouni’s free kick beat Starlets’ shot-stopper Lillian Awuor but could not dip down fast enough, hitting the bar before heading out for a goal kick.

In the 60th minute, Cynthia Shilwatso attempted a long shot for Starlets, but it went off target.

Tunisia's gameplan was effective again as they earned a freekick near the Kenya's penalty area in the 77th minute. Aouni’s free kick came close again for Tunisia but went slightly wide.

Jereko had another opportunity in the 86th minute, heading wide from an Elizabeth Wambui cross, as the game ended in a goalless draw.

The return leg is set to be played on Wednesday, February 26, at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunisia.

How they lined up:

Kenya Starting XI: Lillian Awuor (GK), Corazone Aquino, Cynthia Shilwatso, Dorcas Shikobe (C), Elizabeth Wambui, Enez Mango, Fasila Adhiambo, Janet Mumo, Lavender Akinyi, Mwanahalima Dogo, Ruth Ingosi.

Subs: Annedy Kundu, Elizabeth Mideva, Elizabeth Ochaka, Emily Moranga, Janet Bundi, Jentrix Shikangwa, Lydia Akoth, Rebecca Okwaro, Sheryl Angach, Tabitha Amoit, Teresa Engesha, Violet Nanjala.