It was a joy to see the Harambee Starlets qualify for 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations finals after eliminating Algeria on the away-goal rule following a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.
Cheris Avilia Salano’s well taken goal was all the underrated Starlets needed to eliminate the experienced and determined Algerian opponents, but with six months to go until the tournament in Cameroon, a lot is needed to be done.
First, it’s important to thank the federation for providing the ladies with all the support they needed to secure a maiden showing at the continental high table. You could see the delight on the players’ faces after the final whistle, and they didn’t waste the opportunity to carry Football Kenya President Nick Mwendwa shoulder high in celebration.
They have suffered for a long time, but after the new office took charge, the ladies were allowed to prepare excellently, and the result was there for everyone to see, as they made over 40 million Kenyans smile.
The precious preparation paid off, and the ladies were superb, pressing at every opportunity and showing why women’s football should be taken seriously.