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History makers Starlets return home to a warm welcome

Football Kenya Federation of Kenya President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy Mc Donald Mariga led the welcome party.

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by GEORGE AJWALA

Football28 February 2025 - 12:32
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In Summary


  • The Kenyan beauties, led by head coach Beldine Odemb, could not hide their joy after beating the hosts, Tunisia, 1-0.
  • The victory at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunis was historic as it was the first Starlets victory in the qualifiers in North Africa in 19 years. 

FKF President Hussein Mohamed welcomes Harambee Starlets to Kenya at JKIA on Friday morning. [PHOTO: HARAMBEE STARLETS X]

Triumphant Harambee starlets were accorded a heroic welcome at Jommo Kenyatta International Airport in the wee hours of Friday morning after landing from Tunisia.

The Kenyan beauties led by head coach Beldine Odemba could not hide their joy after beating hosts Tunisia 1-0 on Wednesday, February 28, 2025, to book their ticket for the 2026 women Afcon final round qualifier, having played to a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture last week Friday.

Football Kenya Federation of Kenya President Hussein Mohammed and his deputy Mc Donald Mariga led the welcome party alongside officials from the Sports ministry at 2.00 am.

Woman of the moment head coach Beldine Odemba received her flowers from Hussein and a warm hug as the worn out heroines joined traditional dancers who entertained them to a jig on.

The victory at the Stade Olympique de Sousse in Tunis was historic as it was the first Starlets victory in the qualifiers in North Africa in 19 years. 

Odemba said they had a good plan at Ulinzi complex last week despite failing to score, but they were tactically better than the Tunisians in both legs, and that’s why they won.

Hussein Mohammed and his deputy Mc Donald Mariga, led the welcome party alongside officials. [IMAGE: Harambee Starlets X]

The tactician who doubles up as the FKF Women Premier League champion’s boss came under fire from fans and pundits for her fielding and substitutions during the first leg and dedicated the win to their supporters.

She added that she might be the pilot, but the win is important for the country.

 “We did not win to silence anyone, we won for our own glory, and to show that something is happening in Kenyan football. We won because we have the support,  and we were ready to win the first round of the qualifiers," said Odemba.

Odemba also thanked FKF president Hussein Mohammed for the support and believes they have what it takes to beat the Gambians to grab their ticket to Morocco.

She also expects two friendlies during the April and June 2025 FIFA international break in preparation for Gambians between October 20 and 28 this year.

Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba receives a hug from FKF President Mohamed Hussein.

Meanwhile, Simba Queens midfielder Corazon Aqcuino, who played a big role in both legs, said they promised the fans to rectify their first-leg mistakes and clinch the ticket, and they were happy to have achieved it.

“Our coach told us to fight for three points in every game; of course, qualifiers are not easy, so we will work hard to achieve this. We are targeting our second appearance in the continental tournament, and we will do our best to grab the ticket.” Said Aquino.

The team will break camp before regrouping for the final round against Gambia, who overcame Niger 2-1 lead, for a 4-1 aggregate to qualify.

Meanwhile, FKF president Hussein congratulated the starlets for making Kenya proud and promised to offer all the necessary support to qualify for the continental showpiece.

Harambee Starlets arrive in the country after beating Tunisia.

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