Harambee Starlets U20 team edged out Ethiopia 4-3 on aggregate to progress to the second round of the 2-18 World Cup Qualifier. Photo/COURTESY
NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 30 – The national women’s Under-20 team are through to the second round of the 2018 World Cup Qualifier after beating Ethiopia 4-3 on aggregate thanks to their 2-1 win in the return leg played at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos on Saturday.
Having held Ethiopia to a 2-2 draw in the first leg played in Awasa a fortnight ago, Starlets needed at least a 1-1 draw to progress to the penultimate round and indeed they did do better by collecting maximum points.
Skipper Corazone Aquino had sent Kenya ahead in the 11th minute before Ethiopia equalized through Mirkat Feleke on the stroke of half time but Gentrix Shikangwa scored the winner in the 51st minute.
Kenya will now face the winner of Ghana against Algeria encounter in November.
Midfielder Aquino, who is in a superb form, scored the opener from a low shot after at the edge of the box after receiving a fine cross from Cynthia Shilwatso to beat Ethiopia keeper Igesi Abera.
However, Kenya found themselves on level a minute to the interval when Mirkat equalized from the penalty spot after Starlets custodian Lilian Awuor brought her down for a 1-1 scoreline at the break.
Ethiopia barely threatened Kenya with the only chance they had through a free-kick from Alemnesh Geremew that hit the upright.
A minute after the restart Shikangwa missed an open chance to double the scores after shooting wide despite controlling a well floated ball from Maureen Khakasa.
She made the amends four minutes later after nodding home a Wincate Kaari well floated corner kick to reclaim the lead for the hosts.
Kenya continued pressing for more goals but the exciting trio of Shikangwa, Shilwatso and Amunyolete failed to convert the numerous chances that created.
