Harambee Starlets whitewash Lesotho 6-0 to secure Four Nations podium finish
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 09.06.26. | 18:26
Kenya entered the contest determined to finish the tournament positively following their heartbreaking 4-1 post-match penalty defeat to Zambia after a 1-1 draw in regulation time
Harambee Starlets wrapped up their Four Nations Tournament on a high note with a commanding 6-0 victory over Lesotho in the third-place playoff played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia.
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A brace from Eglay Mukhwana and goals from Violette Nanjala, Tereza Engesha, Fasila Adhiambo and Catherine Khaemba ensured Beldine Odemba's side secured third place in emphatic fashion after falling to hosts Zambia in the semi-finals.
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Kenya entered the contest determined to finish the tournament positively following their heartbreaking 4-1 post-match penalty defeat to Zambia after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The Starlets wasted little time in asserting themselves despite a fairly balanced opening phase.
The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Violette Nanjala combined well with Eglay Mukhwana before calmly slotting home to hand Kenya the lead.
Three minutes later, the advantage doubled as Tereza Engesha reacted quickest to Mwanalima Adam's set-piece delivery, finishing neatly to put the Starlets firmly in control.
Lesotho attempted to respond and came close through Mofele, whose effort sailed narrowly over the bar, before Moalosi fired wide after connecting with a delivery from Makhetha.
However, Kenya remained clinical whenever opportunities arose.
Their persistence paid off again when Fasila Adhiambo capitalised on a precise pass from Engesha to score Kenya's third and stretch the advantage further.
Nanjala nearly grabbed her second of the afternoon moments later, but her header narrowly missed the target.
Lesotho's best chance of the half fell to Lekote eight minutes before the interval, but the midfielder's volley drifted just wide.
Kenya then delivered another blow three minutes before the break as Mukhwana latched onto Nanjala's pass inside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful strike to send the Starlets into halftime with a commanding 4-0 lead.
The second half resumed with Kenya maintaining their intensity and dominance.
Five minutes after the hour mark, Mukhwana completed her brace, finishing off another attacking move to make it 5-0 and effectively end any hopes of a Lesotho comeback.
Substitute Catherine Khaemba then joined the scoresheet with 15 minutes remaining, adding Kenya's sixth goal as the East Africans continued their ruthless display in front of goal.
Despite a few late attempts from Lesotho, Kenya remained solid at the back to seal a comprehensive 6-0 victory to hand head coach Beldine Odemba a perfect birthday present.
The result secured a third-place finish for Harambee Starlets and provided a fitting conclusion to their Four Nations Tournament in Zambia.