Gentrix Shikangwa celebrating the all important goal with team-mates in the Ghana Olympic Qualifier match at Kasarani Stadium. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – Gentrix Shikangwa scored from the penalty spot nine minutes into extra time as Harambee Starlets beat Ghana’s Black Queens 1-0 to progress to the penultimate round of the qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Shikangwa who had come on as an 80th minute substitute slotted home after Ghana’s Justice Tweneboa handled Sheryl Angachi’s goal bound header on the line.
Harambee Starlets players Nixon Thomas and Sheril Andiba vie for the ball against Ghana defence. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYAThe victory now means Starlets are through to the fourth round where they will meet either Zambia or Botswana.
Mercy Airo had a brilliant chance after 18 minutes when a brilliant Wincate Kaari ball from deep in Kenya’s half found her isolated at the edge of the six yard box, but the forward’s first touch let her down as the ball easily rolled to the keeper.
Kenya’s Mercy Airo goes past Priscilla Okyere of Ghana in the Olympic qualifier matches. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
Janet Bundi had another great chance for Starlets when she surged to the edge of the box but instead of taking an aim at goal took too many touches on the ball allowing the Ghanaians to close in. Minutes later, Mwanahalima Adam had a shot from range fly over.
Eight minutes to the break, Priscilla Okyere had a freekick from range well collected by keeper Annette Kundu, though she let it slip off her hands for a corner.
Harambee Starlets head coach David Ouma gesturing to players in the Ghana match. Photo/RAYMOND MAKHAYA
In the second half, head coach David Ouma made changes bringing on Cynthia Shilwatso for Airo, Gentrix Shikangwa for Bundi and Topister Nafula for Elizabeth Wambui in a bid to spice up the attack.
However, they could not get in a meaningful effort in the final third, the closest being a Shikangwa shot that went straight to the keeper’s arms.
