On Tuesday, Kenya Harambee Starlets thrashed Uganda 2-1 in the CECAFA Senior Women’s long championship in Dar es Salaam. This game in the Azam Complex highlighted Kenya’s fighting spirit and attacking nature, continuing to affirm them as major regional players.

Striker Elizabeth Mutua gave the Starlets the edge, scoring in the 12th minute after a through pass by midfielder Annedy Kundu. The objective fueled the Kenyan team, which held most of the ball and persistently harassed the Ugandan defense in the heat of the game.

Uganda hit back with some fervor, and in the 33rd minute, they drew level courtesy of their forward, Sandra Kisakye, who made the most of a defensive slip by Kenya. The momentum changed a little, and Uganda’s midfielders began to put up efforts to shackle Kenya’s rhythm, but the U17 back line fought back hard against the pressure.

The second half saw Kenya take over control, and Ruth Ingotsi was crucial. Her bulging free-kick in the 58th minute reinstated Kenya into the lead, and the fans travelling with them became frenetic. Ingotsi’s defensive set-piece mastery was a further demonstration of her blossoming status as a decision-maker.

Coach Jackline Juma was tactical, and it stood out fine. The Starlets kept their shape to hold off Uganda as they made their comeback hopes in the late stages of the game. In the 82 minutes, goalkeeper Annedy Kundu pulled off a vital save after blocking a long-range shot by Ugandan captain Joan Nabirye.

The win follows the good start of the Kenya team, which trashed Burundi with a 3-0 win on June 14. The Starlets’ youthful experience has also given them a phenomenal touch, and Mutua and Ingotsi have risen to be pillars of their campaign.

Uganda coach, Sheryl Botes admitted that Kenya was too good but she was defiant. She stated; We tried our best but Kenya were ruthlessly efficient. Uganda will now meet Tanzania in a do or die game as they aim to stay alive in the semifinal in the competitive regional tournament.

This game was attended vividly, and the Tanzanian natives and Kenyan diaspora added fire to the crowd. On social media, there were positive waves of having the Starlets, and supporters posted videos of the amazing goal of Ingotsi and the beautiful goal of Mutua.

Kenya’s performance indicates that the country is focused on retaining the CECAFA title alluded to in 2019. The upscaled tournament to eight teams has increased the stakes, but the Starlets seem to be their rivals in the region.

The second test is with the hosts, Tanzania, and that is going to be an intense match considering the bitter rivalry between the two teams. A triumph will see Kenya qualify for the semifinals, which will lift their morale in pursuit of winning the championship trophy.

Uganda’s defeat is a drawback, but their performance was promising. Kisakye and Nabirye’s goal and leadership, respectively, show the hope needed in African teams; better finishing will be required to deal with Tanzania’s home advantage in their next game.

Due to its increased fan base and media publicity, the CECAFA Championship has provided an opportunity to popularize women’s football in the eastern African region. Kenya’s success is the direct result of the region’s investment in the women’s game, which inspires young players in the continent.

World Cup qualifiers Mutua, who is only 21, represents the future of Kenyan football. Her propensity in front of the goal and hard work have been compared to such Starlets greats as Esse Mbeyu. The fans have already termed her the talisman of this team.

The fast surface of the Azam Complex pitch was excellent for Kenya and its quick-passing ability. Juma’s exploiting the wings overpowered the Uganda fullbacks, creating many opportunities that would have given them a bigger score.

The fans were also vocal. It is understandable that the Ugandans chanted and waved flags at the match, though they were defeated. They are supporting the interest in women’s football, which is gaining ground in the area, and the Cranes have a point to prove in their other group fixtures.

Disciplined performance without faults did not apply to Kenya. Uganda temporarily experienced a lapse that brought in an equalizer, and the Starlets know that not every team they will face will be tame: the likes of Tanzania or Ethiopia will keep them on their toes in the knockout rounds.

The tournament is more than just Kenya, and this increases its campaign. Since the FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers are approaching fast, these matches will come in handy in terms of gaining momentum and assessing the depth of the team against the best teams in the region.

The championship has been well celebrated within Dar es Salaam, with cheering stands and exciting fan zones. The city’s traditional football culture makes it a great choice for hosting the tournament, which has increased the volume of the matches between Kenya and Uganda.

This is a statement of intent amongst the Starlets. With the team having sky-high confidence before going to Tanzania, fans are dreaming of picking the trophy on June 21. The case of Kenya in CECAFA Championship is worth following.