Harambee Starlets have a slim advantage heading to the return leg of the African Women Cup of Nation Qualifiers after a 2-1 win over Equatorial Guinea in the first leg played at Machakos Stadium.
The visitors took lead at the 39th minute courtesy of a goal from Jade Boho Sayo. Three minutes Harambee Stars equalized thanks to a goal from Teresa Engesha and the scoreline would remain unchanged till the final.
Second goal
With four minutes remaining to time second-half substitute, Essie Akida sent the ball past Lucrecia Boabaila for a 2-1 win for the Kenyan ladies. The result means a draw or any win on the road will David Ouma’s charges make a return to Africa’s top competition.
Kenya made a debut in the AWCON in 2016 in Cameroon. They were however eliminated in the first round following defeats Nigeria, Ghana and Mali.
Second leg
The second leg set to be played on Saturday 9, 2018 at the Estadio Nkoantoma de Bata in Equatorial Guinea’s port city of Bata.
Harambee Starlets Starting XI: 18. Poline Atieno (GK), 15. Wendy Achieng (C), 12. Lilian Adera, 5. Dorcas Sikobe, 19. Elizabeth Ambogo, 7. Cheris Avilia, 6. Sheryll Angachi, 17. Corazone Aquino, 9. Neddy Atieno, 2. Mwanahalima Adam, 11. Teresa Engesha.
Subs: 1. Maureen Shimuli (GK), 3. Phelistus Kadari, 20. Dorris Anyango, 10. Carolyne Anyango, 16. Mercy Achieng, 4. Cynthia Shilwatso, 14. Esse Akida.
Equatorial Guinea Starting XI: 25. Lucrecia Boabaila (GK) 10. Genoveva Anonman (C), 9. Dorine Nina Chuigoue, 3. Noah Salome Ghyslaine, 21. Laetitia Chapeh Yimga, 5. Jacky Mossomo Annette, 12. Celestina Manga Besecu, 19. Cecilia Akeng Nengono, 4. Esperanza Mbang Mba, 8. Jade Boho Sayo, 15. Gloria Chinasa Okoro.
Subs: 1. Dolores Hernandez Mansogo, 13. Emiliana Nchama Ndong, 11. Luz Milagrosa Obiang, 20. Mari Cruz Oburu, 16. Milagrosa Mecheba Ebako, 14. Ramona Mibuy Ndong, 2. Inmaculada Avelina Ndong.