Tanzania crash Kenya's FIFA U20 Women's World Cup dreams on penalties

Kenya U20 have been bundled out of the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup qualifiers after suffering a 3-1 defeat to Tanzania in post-match penalties following a 1-0 loss at full time and a 1-1 aggregate draw over two legs.

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The two teams met in the return leg of the penultimate preliminary qualifier round of the World Cup qualifier.

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The match followed the first leg clash between the two sides played on Saturday, 7 February at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata, Nairobi, where Kenya secured a 1-0 victory courtesy of an 85th-minute strike by Elizabeth Mideva.

With the result, Kenya went into the match, looking for at least a draw that would guarantee them qualification to the last round and therefore put more emphasis on their defensive approach as revealed by head coach Jackline Juma in her pre-match press conference.

On the other hand, the match was a must-win for the hosts if they harboured any hopes of reaching the World Cup.

Bakari Shime attributed their loss in Nairobi to the bumpy surface of Ulinzi Sports Complex and promised fireworks when the two sides meet at the pristine Azam Sports Complex.

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Tanzania began the match on a high note, evidently looking for an early goal, but the Kenyan defense stood tall to prevent any harm.

The neighbours had to attack with caution as the match progressed, with Kenya proving to be dangerous on counterattacks through Elizabeth Mideva and Valarie Nekesa, but none of the sides could find the back of the net before the halftime whistle blew.

Tanzania would then get a lifeline in the second half when they earned a penalty in the 51st minute that Winfrida Hubert scored to take the lead on the day and draw level on aggregate.

Buoyed by the goal, Tanzania upped the ante in their pursuit of a second, but the Elizabeth Ochaka-led Kenyan defense prevented further harm.

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Kenya was equally threatened in the final third, but neither Mideva nor Emily Moranga was clinical enough to score.

The full-time whistle blew with the teams level at 1-1 on aggregate, forcing the match to be decided on penalties.

Tanzania emerged 3-1 victors over Kenya from 12 yards as Lorine Ilavonga, Pearl Asiko and Fasila Adhiambo missed their kicks, with only Elizabeth Ochaka finding the back of the net.

Tanzania will now proceed to the final round, where they will face Cameroon with a place in the World Cup at stake.