Esse Akida (jersey 14) watches part of the action as Harambee Stars played Portugal champions Benfica. PHOTO/COTIF
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 2 – On form Esse Akida struck twice as the national women’s football team Harambee Starlets continued their impressive run at COTIF tournament in Spain, following their 3-1 victory over hosts Espanyol to storm the semi-finals.
Neddy Atieno rounded off the win that meant Kenya will face either Spanish side Real Betis in the semi-final on Wednesday ahead of the Saturday final.
This is an impressive display from the Starlets who kept their unbeaten campaign after launching their journey on a bang, thrashing Portuguese champions Benfica 3-0 in a match where Akida netted all the goals.
This is a perfect platform for the David Ouma charges, who are using the tournament as part of their preparations for the inaugural CECAFA Women’s tournament scheduled for Uganda before making a debut for the biggest tournament in Africa, the Nations Cup slated for November in Cameroon.
Akida broke the deadlock but it didn’t last long before Espanyol cancelled out the lead at the half hour mark to see both sides share spoils at the interval.
Returning for the last period, Akida completed his brace before Atieno, who has had stint in Nigeria made her experience count when she reclaimed the lead.
