Harambee Starlets seek to mirror McCarthy’s men in bronze battle against Lesotho
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Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 09.06.26. | 09:26
The match is part of their broader build-up towards the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations
Harambee Starlets will be back in action this afternoon at 4 pm when they face Lesotho in the third-place playoff of the Four Nations tournament at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The fixture comes just days after a spirited performance against hosts Zambia, where the Starlets impressed in a 1-1 draw during regulation time.
Fasila Adhiambo scored a well-taken equaliser to cancel out the hosts’ early lead, forcing tur winner to be decided through the post-match penalties.
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Despite showing strong character and organisation throughout the match, Kenya eventually lost 4-1 in the post-match penalties, narrowly missing out on a place in the final.
The match comes just days after Harambee Stars faced Lesotho in a friendly double-header in Pretoria, South Africa.
The two sides played out a 1-1 draw in the first meeting on Thursday before Kenya responded strongly with a commanding 4-0 victory in the return leg on Sunday.
Their opponents, Lesotho also arrive wounded after a 3-1 defeat to Zimbabwe in the semifinals, setting up a battle between two sides eager to salvage pride and finish the tournament on a positive note.
In the final, hosts Zambia will take on Zimbabwe.
For Harambee Starlets, this match is part of their broader build-up towards the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Kenya will be making a long-awaited return after a decade away.
The tournament, scheduled for July 2026 in Morocco, is a key milestone in the team’s rebuilding journey under head coach Beldine Odemba.
Despite the disappointment of the penalty shootout loss, the performance against Zambia offered encouraging signs.
Starlets showed discipline, resilience, and tactical maturity, holding their own against one of Africa’s strongest sides and taking the game to penalties after a composed display in normal time.
Coach Odemba is expected to rely on her core squad once again, with captain Mwanahalima Adam expected to anchor the midfield alongside: Fasila Adhiambo, Martha Amunyolet, and Tereza Engesha.
Ruth Ingosi will provide leadership at the back, with Vivian Nasaka, Elizabeth Ochaka, and Leah Andiema also in contention for starting roles.
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Harambee Starlets squad in Zambia
Goalkeepers: Annedy Kundu, Vivian Shinyonzo
Defenders: Elizabeth Ochaka, Ruth Ingosi, Leah Andiema, Vivian Nasaka, Norah Ann, Mary Nthambi, Lorine Ilavonga, Euphraisier Shilwatso
Midfielders: Lorna Nyarinda, Tereza Engesha, Martha Amunyolette, Mwanalima Adam, Fasila Adhiambo, Mercy Airo
Forwards: Lorna Faith, Catherine Khaemba, Marion Serenge, Eglay Mukwana, Emily Morang’a, Violet Nanjala, Shaline Nambengele
