Three women’s teams from the CECAFA Zone were engaged in different international matches last weekend.

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets who are taking part in the 2024 Pink Ladies Cup in Turkey suffered their second defeat on Saturday.

After losing 1-0 to Chinese Taipei in their first match, Kenya suffered a 4-0 defeat to Russia. Kenya will play their last match against Phillipines on October 30th.

On Sunday Twiga Stars of Tanzania settled for a 1-1 draw against Senegal in a match played at the Bchir Mohammed Stadium in Morocco.

China based forward Opah Clement Tukumbuke netted in the first half, but the Senegal team earned a late penalty converted by Nguenar.

The Tanzanian team under the watchful eyes of coach Hilda Masanche lost their first match 4-1 to hosts Morocco few days ago.

In another international friendly match played Uganda Crested Cranes beat hosts DR Congo in another International friendly match played at the Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa on Sunday.

Indian based forward Fazila Ikwaput and Sylvia Kabene who was making her debut for the national team netted two second half goals, while the hosts also scored one. The two teams will again face-off on October 30^th in a second match.

The Uganda Crested Cranes will play two international friendly matches against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Coach Shryl Ulanda Botes’ side will line-up against the hosts in the first match on October 27^th at the Stade des Martrys, Kinshasa. The second match will take place three days later.

“I am very excited that my team will have this opportunity to play two International friendly matches against DR Congo. These matches will also help us prepare ahead of the regional CECAFA Women’s Championship expected to take place in Ethiopia,” added Botes.

In-from Brazilian based striker Sandra Nabweteme who plies her trade with Santos Laguna Femenil is expected to lead the Crested Cranes attack together with Indian based striker Fazila Ikwaput.

Meanwhile, in an international friendly match played last evening hosts Morocco defeated Tanzania’s Women’s team 4-1. Enekia Kasonga netted Tanzania’s only goal.  Tanzania will next face Senegal on October 27^th in their second international friendly match.

In a related development Kenya’s Harambee Starlets return to action later tonight against Russia in a 2024 Pink Ladies Cup on-going in Turkey. Kenya lost their opening match 1-0 to Chinese Taipei few days ago. Kenya will play their last match against Phillipines on October 30th.

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have lost their opening match in the 2024 Pink Ladies Cup on-going in Turkey.

Coach Beldine Odemba’s side lost 1-0 to Chinese Taipei in a match played on Wednesday at the Emirhan Stadium.

Lee Yi-wen capitalized on Zeng Yunya’s assist to score from close range after 19 minutes when the Kenyan defenders failed to clear their lines.

Later the Kenyan team improved and intensified their search for goals. Lorna Nyabuto and Fasila Adhiambo had chances to score for Kenya, but failed to fired off target.

Kenya’s team will face Russia on Saturday in their second match, and end against Phillipines on October 30^th.

The four team tournament has given Kenya chance to test new players at the international stage against teams from Asia and Europe.

Meanwhile, Tanzania and Uganda’s women’s national teams will also be involved in two international friendly matches each before the end of the month. Tanzania will play against Morocco and Senegal, while Uganda will play two matches against DR Congo in Kinshasa.

The head coach of Kenya Junior Starlets, Mildred Cheche has said they are going all out to try and pick a win in their last Group C match against Mexico at the on-going FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

Kenya lost their opening match 2-0 to England, and suffered a 3-0 defeat to North Korea on Monday.

However, head coach Cheche has made it clear that although it is a new experience for her team, the players are determined to go all out and give their best when they face Mexico on October 24^th.

“Although we have lost the first two matches, we are still determined to go out and win against Mexico. This tournament has given all of us players and coaches something to learn because of the great exposure,” says Cheche.

North Korea who have scored seven goals sand conceded once in their two matches top Group C with six points, while England who also have six points are in second place. Kenya who are yet to score a goal and have conceded five goals are bottom of the group.

The top two teams from each of the four groups will advance to the quarterfinals, while the bottom two will exit the tournament. This will be the last U-17 World Cup with 16 teams, as the tournament will expand to 24 teams from the 2025 edition.