Harambee Starlets came to rue their missed penalties as they lost 2-1 on aggregate to Botswana and miss out on a place at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Two missed penalties over the course of two legs cost Harambee Starlets a place at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after falling 2-1 on aggregate to Botswana in the final qualifying round.
Harambee Starlets lost 1-0 away to Botswana on Tuesday and will blame themselves for not taking their chances from 12 yards when a missed penalty at the National Stadium in Gaborone allowed the hosts to take the lead.
A goalless first half in the return leg gave way to a more enterprising encounter after the break with both sides going for it following last week's 1-1 draw in Nairobi.
21:00 - 30.11.2023
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Kenya asked the early questions and nearly got the answer after they won a penalty nine minutes after restart.
After watching Violet Nanjala waste a last minute penalty that would have given Starlets a 2-1 win in the first leg, Cynthia Shilwatso stepped to the spot this time round.
08:35 - 30.11.2023
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However, she missesed the penalty which was well saved by the Botswana goalkeeper who dived the right way to keep out the ball with her outrestrched right hand.
Starlets were undeterred and kept probbing with Janet Moraa also coming close with a header off a corner.
As they pushed bodies forward, Starlets were caught napping at the back when a good pass to Keitumetse Ditsebe played the forward in behind the Kenya defence.
16:50 - 29.11.2023
FOOTBALL Wasteful Harambee Starlets fail to capitalize on home advantage against Botswana
Harambee Starlets and Botswana draw in 2024 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier played at Nyayo National Stadium
Ditsebe stayed composed and looped the ball over Starlets goalkeeper to slot in beautifully on her left foot for 1-0.
From then on, the home side started time wasting tactics to run the clock down while Kenya kept searching for an equalizer.
Defeat sees Kenya miss out on the WAFCON yet again and will have to wait until the 2026 tournament which will be 10 years since their debut and only appearance in 2016.
10:30 - 21.11.2023
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Botswana, meanwhile, will be returning to the tournament for the second straight edition after their maiden appearance in Morocco last year.