Harambee Starlets dim Ghana in qualifier

Harambee Starlet’s Elizabeth Mutukiza and Coleman Ellen of Ghana Black Queens during the Olympic Qualifiers match at Kasarani on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Gentrix Shikangwa scored in extra time as Harambee Starlets edged out Ghana’s Black Starlets 1-0 in the third round of the Olympic qualifiers at Kasarani Stadium yesterday.

Shikangwa netted from the penalty spot after a Ghanaian defender had handled a goal-bound effort on the line.

The goal itself was a big relief to the hundreds of fans who turned up to watch the match.

Harambee Starlets dominated huge chunks of the encounter and should have finished off the West Africans early had they made use of the numerous chances they created.

Janet Bundi had the first opportunity to put the home side ahead in the fifth minute, but was denied by the Ghanaian goalkeeper.

Then Mercy Airo also wasted another chance after she failed to beat the opponent’s goalkeeper.

Mwanahalima Adam’s hard shot in the 23rd minute went just out.

As the match progressed, the visitors looked to be settling down well and created their own chances that nearly hurt the hosts.

Ousu Mavis was very dangerous in the Ghanaian forward line. Her first shot was dealt with well by the confident Annedy Kundu in the Kenyan goal.

Harambee Starlets dominated the second half as fatigue seemed to be pulling down their opponents and were unlucky not to score as they failed to use their chances sending the match to extra time.

Kenya will play either Zambia or Botswana in the fourth round of the qualifiers.

Prior to meeting Ghana, Starlets had edged out Malawi.

Kenya has never qualified for the Olympic games.

Starlets coach David Ouma said the result was a big motivation for the team.

“We have to keep pushing and this gives us the possibility of going further,” he said.

Meanwhile, Percy Tau will report to the Bafana Bafana camp so that the injury that forced him out of Club Brugge’s 4-0 win over Gent in the Belgium league at the weekend can be assessed adds Agencies reports.

Tau left the field before halftime, which will be a major worry for Bafana fans and coach Molefi Ntseki ahead of the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash with Mali on Sunday.

Brugge have not sent a report to the South African Football Association over the injury, so Tau is expected to link up with the squad on Tuesday morning, where he will be given the once-over by team doctor Thulani Ngwenya
“From Percy’s team, they didn’t flag up anything so he’s still coming to camp and then we will assess him and make a call, but otherwise there’s nothing formal from his club,” Ngwenya confirmed.

He did add that there are a number of other doubts in the team, including Amiens midfielder Bongani Zungu, Kaizer Chiefs defender Erick Mathoho, Mamelodi Sundowns forward Themba Zwane, and the SuperSport United duo of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams and midfielder Dean Furman.

“Bongani had a deep laceration on his left leg, so we just need to open it and make a call on whether we’re keeping him (in camp) or not. The other one is Tower (Mathoho) with an ankle injury so we’ll manage him and see,” Ngwenya said.

“The other person which is of concern at the moment is Dean Furman, who has had a knee problem for about a week or so now. He played (in the MTN8 final), but he might have pushed himself, so that’s a concern.

“Themba Zwane also has a niggling ankle injury, and I’m expecting to examine Ronwen Williams because he’s also got a problem with his right shoulder, but they will all be assessed.”