Starlets miss stoppage-time penalty to draw with Botswana

Kenya women's national team, Harambee Starlets played for a 1-1 draw at home against Botswana in the first leg tie of the final round of the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.

The Beldine Odemba-led side came from behind to equalize from the spot in the last minute of the first half, a scenario that repeated itself in the second stanza with another spot-kick that was the final action of the day but Violet Nanjala had her shot saved to miss out on a huge opportunity to lead the series.

Keitumtse Dithebe gave the visitors the opener in the 37th minute after her shot from outside the box caught Annedy Kundu by surprise, brushing her gloves as the ball flew to the back of the net, giving Botswana the advantage.

Odemba’s charges got a reprieve just before the halftime whistle after Botswana handled the ball in the box with Marjolene Nekesa converting the resulting penalty to restore parity and give Kenya a fighting chance in the second half.

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The hosts played a better second half but their final third was wanting as several chances went begging only for the home side to send weak attempts that were easily stopped by Botswana.

The match seemed to be headed for a quiet stalemate but the final minute of the five added at the end of the second half provided drama. With a golden chance to bury the game after getting a penalty, Nanjala sent her strike straight to the keeper denying Kenya the lead.