Harambee Starlets Stun Uganda 4-0: Kenya Dominates CECAFA Women’s Championship!

In Summary:

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets secured a massive 4-0 win against Uganda, showing their strength in the CECAFA Women’s Championship.
Goals from Wacera, Shikobe, Nanjala, and Amunyolet sealed the victory, with Coach Odemba’s smart lineup changes paying off big time.
This tournament is vital for the Starlets as they aim for the CECAFA title and prepare for upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Gambia.

The Harambee Starlets delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Uganda at the Azam Complex in Tanzania. This dominant win further solidified Kenya’s position in the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship, bringing them closer to reclaiming the regional title they last won in 2019. Following their initial 3-0 triumph against Burundi, the national women’s football team showcased both their offensive prowess and tactical depth, marking this tournament as a crucial preparation ground for their upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Gambia.

Attacking Flair and Tactical Prowess

Harambee Starlets secured a massive 4-0 win against Uganda. Photo courtesy.

Kenya’s attacking force proved relentless, with goals coming from Diana Wacera, Dorcas Shikobe, Violet Nanjala, and Martha Amunyolet, who remarkably netted her third goal of the competition.

Coach Beldine Odemba’s decision to implement six changes to the starting lineup from the previous match against Burundi was a strategic masterstroke that paid significant dividends, illustrating the squad’s versatility.

While Uganda, particularly through Jovia Nakagolo, had an early opportunity, the Starlets quickly asserted control, unleashing three rapid strikes before halftime.

Amunyolet’s second-half goal served as the perfect cap to a performance that underscored Kenya’s superiority over a Ugandan side they have not lost to since 2018.

Path to the Regional Crown

The 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship features five formidable teams—Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan—competing in a round-robin format, with the top two teams earning a spot in the final.

Kenya’s back-to-back victories have propelled them to the top of the current standings, with challenging fixtures against South Sudan and host nation Tanzania still on their schedule.

The Starlets are determined to emulate their 2019 success, especially after their absence from the 2022 edition.

Beyond the prestige of regional bragging rights, this championship serves as an invaluable platform for Coach Odemba to fine-tune her squad ahead of the demanding WAFCON qualifiers.

This dominant win further solidified Kenya’s position in the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship. Photo courtesy.

Gearing Up for Continental Ambition

With upcoming matches against South Sudan and Tanzania, Kenya’s primary objective is to secure a spot in the CECAFA final and build crucial momentum for their impending clash with Gambia in the WAFCON qualifiers.

A CECAFA title would not only be a testament to their regional dominance but also a strong declaration of their readiness to compete at the continental level, showcasing a formidable blend of experienced players and emerging talents.

Striker Violet Nanjala, reflecting the team’s collective ambition, stated, “This is our chance to show Africa what we’re capable of.”

Under Coach Odemba’s astute leadership, the Harambee Starlets are not merely pursuing a trophy; they are meticulously laying the groundwork for a significant resurgence on the African football stage.