• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 2 months ago

Tanzania end Kenya’s World Cup dream in penalty shootout

Kenya’s hopes of reaching the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup ended painfully after a dramatic penalty shootout loss to Tanzania on Saturday evening.

The Junior Starlets were beaten 3-1 on penalties after losing 1-0 in regulation time, leaving the tie level at 1-1 on aggregate over two legs.

Kenya had gone into the return leg with a slight advantage, having secured a 1-0 win in the first match played at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. In that match, Elizabeth Mideva scored a late winner in the 85th minute to hand Kenya hope ahead of the second leg.

However, playing at the Azam Sports Complex, Tanzania came out determined to overturn the deficit. The hosts started strongly, pushing forward in search of an early goal, but Kenya’s defence stood firm in the first half.

Coach Jackline Juma’s side adopted a cautious approach, knowing that even a draw would have been enough to send them through to the final round. Kenya also looked dangerous on the counterattack, with Mideva and Valarie Nekesa threatening, but neither side managed to score before halftime.

Tanzania finally broke the deadlock in the 51st minute after being awarded a penalty. Winfrida Hubert calmly converted from the spot to give the hosts a 1-0 lead on the day and level the tie at 1-1 on aggregate.

The goal lifted Tanzania’s confidence as they searched for a second, but the Kenyan backline, marshalled by Elizabeth Ochaka, resisted further pressure. At the other end, Kenya created chances, but Mideva and Emily Moranga could not find the finishing touch.

With no more goals in normal time, the match was decided by penalties.

In the shootout, Tanzania held their nerve to win 3-1. Lorine Ilavonga, Pearl Asiko and Fasila Adhiambo all missed their penalties for Kenya, with only Ochaka scoring from the spot.

The result sees Tanzania advance to the final round of the qualifiers, where they will face Cameroon for a place at the World Cup.

For Kenya, it was a brave fight but a heartbreaking exit as their journey in the qualifiers comes to an end.