Kenya 3-2 Ethiopia
Kenya Harambee Starlets have beaten Ethiopia 3-2 in the first semifinal of the 2016 CECAFA Women Championship at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru.
A great second half performance by the physical Kenyans witnessed David Ouma’s coached side score three goals in the second stanza of the game after falling short in the opening half.
Losa Abera had given the Ethiopians a first half lead to count for their swift ball passing philosophy.
Earlier, Esse Mbeyu Akida watched on in disbelief as her shot hit the cross bar from over 25 yards for the game’s opening chance.
Two minutes later, Ethiopia got their first chance of the day when a free kick by Shetaye Sisaya from the edge of the 18 yard box was well tamed by goalie Samantha Akinyi.
After 33 minutes, Kenyan skipper Mary Kinuthia Wanjiku tested the Ethiopian goalkeeper Liya Shibru.
Losa Abera shot Ethiopia ahead with a well taken 36th minute strike from an acute angle.
The goal which was Kenya’s first to be conceded in the tournament sent shock waves as the technical bench called for the first change of the game. Vivian Corazon Odihambo replaced Dorren Omondi Nabwire with the last seven minutes of the half before Elizabeth Mwikali Ambogo came in for Cheris Salano Avilia.
Two quick goals by Nedy Okoth Atieno at the game restart and a powerful header by Carolyne Anyango Omondi off team skipper Mary Kinuthia Wanjiku’s curling corner from the right gave the Kenyans a 3-1 lead with 20 minutes left on the clock.
Abera pulled a goal back, a beautiful effort after she had controlled a high ball and shot on the turn inside the area.
Abera’s goal definitely gave the match the expected tense finish and Salma Mukansanga’s full time whistle was received by sighs and excitement from the Kenyan bench and players on the field of play.
Kenya will now face the Tanzania Kilimanjaro Stars in the finals to be payed on Tuesday.
Tanzania humiliated the host country, Uganda Crested Cranes 4-1 in the second semi final play at Njeru.
Team Lineups
Kenya XI: Samantha Akinyi (G.K), Ann Alouch Onyango (Captain), Asol Wendy Ann Achieng, Irene Awuor Ogutu, Nixon Dorcas Shikobe, Carolyne Anyango Omondi, Esse Akida Mbeyu, Cheris Avilia Salano, Nedy Okoth Atieno, Dorren Omondi Nabwire, Mary Kinuthia Wanjiku
Subs: Vivian Akinyi (G.K), Celleb Ouko Teresa, Jacky Ogol, Mercy Onyango Achieng, Jackline Juma Okoth, Elzabeth Mwikali Ambogo, Vivian Corazon Odhiambo Head coach: David Ouma
Ethiopia XI: Liya Shibru (G.K), Birtukan Gebrekirstos (Captain), Tiruanchi Mengesha, Tsion Estifanos, Meskerem Kanko, Etsegenet Bizuneh, Hiwot Dengiso, Girma Berktawit, Sisaya Shetaye, Losa Abera, Erhima Zeregaw
Subs: Martha Bekele (G.K), Medina Awol, Emebet Addisu, Atekelte Ashenafi, Fikirte Birhanu, Serkadis Guta, Hasabe Muso Head coach: Meseret Manni
Match Officials:
Center Referee: Salma Mukansanga (Rwanda)
Assistant Referee 1: Catherine Nagaddya (Uganda)
Assistant Referee 2: Speciose Nyinawabari (Rwanda)
4th official: Jonesia Rukyaa (Tanzania)
Match Commissioner: Lina Kessy (Tanzania)
Referees Assessor: Catherine Adipo (Uganda)
Media Officer: Rogers Mulindwa (Uganda)
