On Tuesday, September 26, Kenya’s Harambee Starlets stunned Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses 4-3 on post-match penalties.
This means the Starlets will now proceed to the second round of qualification for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Cynthia Shilwatso who plays her club football in South Korea came off the bench to score in the 75th minute handing Kenya a historic 1-0 win. Her goal meant that the match ended in a 1-1 draw on aggregate.
The match however ended in a 1-0 win to Kenya, taking the game into penalties due to the aggregate of 1-1 after Starlets’ loss in the first leg at the Reunification Stadium in Douala, Cameroon.
As such, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko joined the Starlets in WAFCON qualifiers post-match celebrations.
The flamboyant politician congratulated the team for their victory and donated KSh250,000 to the players to enjoy themselves.
“The country is very proud, the nation is very proud…Nimeingia tu hivi tukaeka bao. I am very happy as a person; I cannot talk on behalf of the government kuna Ababu Namwamba ataongea but this team deserves to be appreciated by everyone in this country,
“Hata Harambee Stars haijawahi shida Cameroon hapa Kenya. In my own small way sina mshahara, siko kazi lakini nimejifinya hapa nimewachia KSh 250,000 waende wakakule supper,” Mike Sonko said.
Sonko, while speaking to players in their dressing room further promised the players his support going forward.
“I want to assure you of my support now and going forward as you chase the crown for our country. I believe in your ability to deliver victory home,” he added.
Starlets will face the victor between Gabon and Botswana in the second round of qualifiers, with the winner getting automatic qualification for the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco.
