Harambee Starlets forward Cherish Avillia leads celebrations after scoring the important equaliser against Algeria in their AFCON qualifier.PHOTO/FILE
KISUMU, Kenya, July 3 – Harambee Starlets warmed up for their Spain tournament by ripping apart Uganda 4-0 in an international friendly hosted at Kisumu’s Moi Stadium on Sunday.
Captain Mary Kinuthia notched a brace before Wendy Achieng and Esse Akida rounded up in a match that saw Ugandan keeper Fatumma Matovu sent off.
Winger Atieno was a thorn in Uganda’s flesh as she threatened first in the eighth minute but the keeper was alert to parry away before Cherish Avilia’s rebound was cleared off the line.
It did not take long before the hosts found the opener from the spot after Akida was fouled in the box to provide an opportunity to Kinuthia, who stepped up to calmly convert to send Kenya ahead.
Uganda were later reduced to ten after Neddy was brought down by Cranes keeper Fatumma Matovu to see Wendy Achieng doubled the scores with a brilliant set-piece from the free kick.
The second half saw the visitor concede another penalty when Akida was once again hauled in the box for Kinuthia to complete his brace.
Akida sealed the win after dancing past the Ugandan defence to record her name into the score sheet with a brilliant shot.
Starlets were using the match as part of their preparations ahead of the one week-long invite only tournament scheduled to take place in Spain from July 31.
After the tournament, the team will fly to Germany to play three friendlies against Women Bundesliga sides before returning home to get ready for the Africa Cup of Nations where they will represent Kenya for the first time ever when the continental tournament will be held in Cameroon later in the year.
