5 things that went wrong for Harambee Starlets during their 0-0 draw against Tunisia in Nairobi on Friday.
Harambee Starlets kicked off their quest for a 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) berth with a frustrating 0-0 draw against Tunisia at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Friday, February 21.
Despite having a lot of the possession, the Kenyans could not create al flurry of chances, and the few that they did were not converted, leaving their hopes hanging in the balance ahead of the return leg on Tuesday, February 25.
With a spot in the next qualification round at stake, Starlets will have to reflect on what went wrong in the first leg. Here are five key issues that contributed to their uninspiring performance:
How Harambee Starlets players performed during their 0-0 WAFCON qualifying draw against Tunisia’s Eagles in Nairobi on Friday
Harambee Starlets v Tunisia: 5 painful lessons for Kenya after underwhelming draw
1. Is Beldine Odemba really in charge?
A growing concern among fans is the visible absence of Beldine Odemba’s influence on the touchline. Throughout the match, Odemba barely stood up to issue instructions, with her coaching staff taking turns to relay messages to the players instead.
Additionally, rumors suggest Odemba is on borrowed time due to dissatisfaction from the new federation leadership. With responsibilities spread between her Kenya Police Bullets job, the U-20s, and Highway Secondary School, there are lingering doubts about whether she is fully committed to the Starlets project.
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Kenya will need a strong performance in the return leg after Harambee Starlets were held to a frustrating draw by Tunisia.
2. Failure to start with a number 10
One of the most glaring tactical missteps was the decision to start without a recognized playmaker in the number 10 role. Odemba fielded Cynthia Shilwatso and Fasila Adhiambo as strikers, but both appeared uncomfortable in their roles.
Adhiambo, who usually plays as a winger for Ulinzi Starlets, was deployed in an attacking midfield position, where she struggled to impact the game.
It was only after Violet Nanjala’s introduction that the team looked more cohesive, allowing Elizabeth Wambui and Mwanahalima Dogo to get involved. However, the shift came too late to make a significant difference.
3. Players played in unnatural positions
Starlets’ lack of fluidity was partly due to several players being forced into unfamiliar roles:
Mwanahalima Dogo, typically a second striker for Kansas City in the U.S., was played as a winger.
Cynthia Shilwatso, most effective in a deeper attacking midfield role, was pushed too far forward.
Fasila Adhiambo, accustomed to the flanks, was forced into a midfield role, where she struggled to link up play.
The lack of positional awareness affected Kenya’s creativity, which was particularly frustrating considering Tunisia had recently been thrashed 5-0 by Tanzania.
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4. Humiliating Elizabeth Mideva on her competitive debut
Odemba’s in-game management was called into question when debutant Elizabeth Mideva was subbed on in the second half, only to be taken off again in stoppage time for Jentrix Shikangwa.
Substituting a substitute is rare unless due to injury, but Mideva was fully fit. The move must have been demoralizing for the young forward and raises concerns about how Odemba is handling the dressing room.
Such decisions could impact morale ahead of the crucial return leg.
5. Waiting too long to Introduce Jentrix Shikangwa
Jentrix Shikangwa has been in stellar form for Simba Queens, leading the Tanzanian Women’s Premier League scoring charts with 16 goals.
However, she was only introduced late in the game. Despite her limited minutes, she made an instant impact, creating one of Kenya’s few clear-cut chances with a dangerous cutback into the box.
Considering Starlets’ struggles in front of goal, Shikangwa should be a strong candidate for a starting role in the return leg. Her finishing ability and attacking presence could be crucial in breaking down Tunisia’s defense.
With a second-leg decider looming in Tunisia, Starlets must address these tactical and managerial shortcomings.
The team has the potential to advance, but Odemba’s selection choices, tactical adjustments, and ability to inspire confidence will be critical in ensuring Kenya returns to WAFCON for the first time since 2016.
