Harambee Starlets cruise past Burundi in Cecafa opener

Midfield dynamo Martha Amunyolet was the standout performer, scoring twice and earning the Player of the Match award along with a 250,000 Tanzanian shillings cash prize.

Amunyolet opened the scoring in the second minute with a clinical finish, then added a second 3 minutes later to put the game beyond Burundi's reach.

In extra time, Faith Mboya capped off a strong team display by curling home the third goal. The strike came after Amunyolet’s effort rebounded off the upright, with Mboya reacting quickest to seal the victory in style.

The win marks a solid start for Starlets, who are back in CECAFA action for the first time since 2019. That year, they beat Burundi 5-0 in the group stage before going on to win the tournament by defeating the hosts, Tanzania, 2-0 in the final.

The latest result not only maintains Kenya's dominance over Burundi at this level but also signals their intent to challenge for the title once again.

Up next, the Starlets face regional rivals Uganda on Tuesday evening, in a match that could decide who tops the group.

With key players like Amunyolet and Mboya already stepping up, Kenya will be aiming to build momentum and replicate their championship-winning form from five years ago.

The Starlets' blend of experience and youthful flair has reignited fans' hopes of another title run, and this opening performance has certainly set the tone.