Penalty 'ghosts' haunt Starlets again in Botswana, miss Wafcon ticket

Once again, the Kenyans failed to score a crucial penalty- a second in as many matches-and they paid the price after the hosts emerged the aggregate winners (2-1) of the fourth and the last round.

Starlets were unlucky yet again after Cynthia Shilwatso’s spot kick was well saved by the Botswana goalkeeper Maitumelo Bosija who also stopped Violet Nanjala’s last minute spot kick in the first leg which ended 1-1 in Nairobi.

The penalty emerged after Nondi Mahlasela handled the ball inside the box.

Keitumetse Dithebe 62nd minute goal was all that the hosts needed to book a slot for the continental showpiece at the expense of the Kenyans.

Starlets’ first scoring chance came in the 13th minute through a free kick but Shilwatso’s shot went wide.

In the 24th minute, Janet Moraa Bindi cross was well picked by Mwahalima Jereko who shot from far but her shot went wide.

Jereko delivered a fine cross to Shilwatso in the 36th minute who headed towards Botswana keeper Maitumelo Bosija but cleared the ball.

Botswana got a chance in the 41st minute through a free kick delivered by Veronicah Mogosti but it was well cleared by Kenyan keeper Vivian Awuor.

In the second half, the hosts continued pressing and in the 52nd minute, Tholakele Tebogo shot on target to Kenya keeper Awuor who cleared the ball.

Coach Odemba made some changes as she brought in Violet Nanjala Wanyonyi for Elizabeth Wambui in the 70th minute as well as Juliet Andiba who replaced Janet Moraa Bundi in the 80th minute respectively.

She also brought in defender Phoebe Owiti for Ruth Ingotsi in the 85th minute.

Botswana will be among the 12 teams that will compete in the WAFCON Finals set for next year in Morocco.