If anyone was worried about how the Harambee Starlets would respond to their heartbreaking opening-match penalty shootout loss against hosts Zambia, yesterday provided a thunderous, undeniable answer. Head coach Beldine Odemba’s tactical brilliance was on full display as Kenya absolutely dismantled a helpless Lesotho side 6-0 to secure a proud bronze podium finish at the FIFA Four Nations Tournament at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
From the first whistle, the Starlets looked like a team possessed, eager to erase the frustrations of the previous match. The opening breakthrough took just 11 minutes when Violet Nanjala showed immense composure to finish off a brilliant, pinpoint assist from Eglay Mukhwana. Just three minutes later, Terry Engesha doubled the advantage with a moment of pure individual wizardry, striking an unstoppable free-kick directly into the back of the net.
The Starlets completely refused to take their foot off the gas pedal. In the 27th minute, Fasila Adhiambo latched onto a sharp pass from Terry to hit Kenya’s third, before Nanjala turned provider right before the break, setting up Mukhwana to cap a commanding 4-0 lead heading into halftime.
The second half was a mirror image of the first as Coach Odemba maintained strict tactical discipline while testing her squad depth. The standout moment of the entire match came in the 65th minute when Mukhwana struck again to complete her brilliant brace. The goals marked a massive, emotional milestone for the Trinity Starlets forward, registering her first-ever international goals in the national team colors.
To put the icing on an already flawless cake, substitute Catherine Khaemba capitalized on a terrible defensive lapse from Lesotho in the 74th minute to round up the scoring at an emphatic 6-0.
This rampant victory provides an invaluable psychological boost and massive exposure for the Starlets. With the Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) kicking off in Morocco next month, Odemba’s charges have sent a clear, terrifying warning shot to their Group A opponents. If yesterday’s clinical execution is anything to go by, Kenya is ready to mix it up with the continent’s absolute best.
