Harambee Starlets face Burundi test in Dar
Football
By
Washington Onyango
| Jun 15, 2025
Harambee Starlets midfielder Medina Abubakar is confident Kenya has the quality to emerge victorious in Tanzania as they prepare to face Burundi in their CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship opening match today at Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.
Starlets are seeking redemption after coming from a 5-1 heavy defeat to Morocco in their last friendly match played last week and will be hoping to turn around their poor show into wins.
Speaking ahead of the encounter with Burundi, who picked a narrow 1-0 victory over Uganda in their opening encounter played on Friday, Abubakar said they have rectified their mistakes and worked out their tactics ahead of the 4pm encounter.
“I am very proud to be part of the team. Training has been good and we want to go for the title. Representing Kenya is special and I will give my best,” said Abubakar.
The championship will feature five teams playing in a round robin format. Kenya will also play Tanzania, Uganda, and South Sudan.
READ MORE
How Absa aims to cut over-reliance on Kenya as it eyes diversification
TRIFIC launches Sh4.8bn green property fund for dollar-yield investors
Mai Mahiu dry port to create 100,000 job opportunities
Auditor-General slams MPs for sleeping on the job as audits pile
Kenya's untapped export potential hits Sh670b mark
Alcohol industry reels from new proposed radical curbs on sales
KTDA clarifies loan status, dismisses claims of mismanagement
Ethical tax compliance must be rooted in integrity above all else
The tournament serves as a build-up to the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final round qualifier against Gambia, and head coach Beldine Odemba is keen to build a stronger squad.
Odemba named a 23-player squad that will feature in the tourney that runs from June 12 to June 22, with Kenya aiming to return to the continental stage for the first time since making their debut in 2016.
Among the notable additions to the squad are Kibera Soccer Women’s midfielder Medina Abubakar Hussein and Vihiga Queens forward Swaum Nanjaka Masungo, who earned their first senior team call-ups
“The past two days' training has been good. The mood in the camp is very encouraging. Every player in the team has pushed herself to their limits, and we shall do our best,” said Vivian Nasaka.