Shikangwa strikes as Starlets dispatch Ghana

Kenya Women’s National Team, Harambee Starlets, proceeded to the fourth round of the 2020 Olympics qualifier as they beat Ghana 1-0 at the MISC Kasarani on Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

Starlets forward, Gentrix Shikangwa, converted from the spot in the 98th minute, following a handball in the box to close the game at 1-0.

Both sides had failed to find the back of either side’s net, and it’s the Starlets who shone bright in extra time to seal a fourth round berth in the qualifiers.

The David Ouma led side had several unconverted opportunities in both stanzas, with Ruth Ingosi, Mwanahalima Adam, Vivian Odhiambo trading passes sumptuously to create the first real chance in the seventh minute only for the latter to shoot wide.

Five minutes later Elizabeth Wambui raced down the right flank but found no one to finish his cross across the goal.

The arguably best chance for Starlets came in the 16th minute when Sheryl Andiba brought in a fine through pass to Mercy Airo who failed to control the ball past the keeper to the empty net.

Black Queens should have opened the score after Marvis Owusu dribbled past Wincate Kinyua to find Priscilla Okyere inside the box, who could not guide his shot into the net.

The six shots on target for the hosts bore nothing by the end of the first half, as well as Ghana’s three.

Kenya lacked its finishing accuracy in the second half with Mwanahalima Adam, Cynthia Shilwatso and Corazone Aquino all missing their promising chances to shake the net.

Ghana on the other side were of minimal attacking. Upon the start of the extra time, Starlets pressed more and their moment finally manifested, with Shikangwa making no mistake when the referee pointed at the spot.

Starlets are now set to face Zambia or Botswana in the fourth qualifying round.

Starting XI

1.  Annette Kundu (GK), 3. Vivian Nasaka, 15. Wincate Kaari, 5. Dorcas Shikobe (C), 20. Ruth Ingosi, 17. Vivian Corazone, 13. Elizabeth Wambui, 4. Janet Bundi,7. Sheril Andiba, 2. Mwanalima Adam, 20.Mercy Airo.

Substitutes

18. Judith Osimbo (GK), 11. Nelly Sawe, 19. Quinter Owiti, 12. Lydia Waganda, 7. Cynthia Shilwatso, 4. Elizabeth Kioko, 15. Betha Omita, 10. Jentrix Shikangwa, 9. Topistar Situma