Crested Cranes Crumble as Kenya’s Harambee Starlets Cruise to Big Win

Kenya’s Harambee Starlets delivered a commanding performance as they thrashed Uganda’s Crested Cranes 4-0 in a one-sided clash at the ongoing regional women’s football tournament.

The 2022 champions, Uganda, started brightly with early attacking intent but failed to convert their chances. The turning point came in the 18th minute when Diana Wacera opened the scoring for Kenya, punishing a defensive lapse. Ten minutes later, team captain Dorcas Sikobe Nixon doubled the lead with a well-timed finish, as the Cranes’ defense struggled to keep shape.

The Ugandan backline completely unraveled just moments later. In the 30th minute, Violet Nanjala Wanyonyi added a third for Kenya, leaving the Crested Cranes shell-shocked before halftime.

In the second half, Uganda showed signs of revival, creating chances through Sylvia Kabene, who came close on multiple occasions. However, Kenya’s goalkeeper Lilian Onyango Awuor proved unbeatable between the posts, pulling off several crucial saves to preserve her clean sheet.

With nine minutes left on the clock, Martha Emedot sealed the emphatic win with Kenya’s fourth goal, rounding off a performance that underlined their title ambitions.

The win lifts Kenya to six points from two matches, level with hosts Tanzania, who remain top of the table due to a superior goal difference. Uganda, meanwhile, find themselves with only three points from three games, and their qualification hopes now hang in the balance.

Group Standings

Next Fixtures – Thursday, June 19

• Kenya vs South Sudan
• Uganda vs Tanzania

The Crested Cranes must regroup quickly ahead of their final group game against an in-form Tanzanian side, while Kenya will look to keep their winning run intact against winless South Sudan.