Harambee Starlets Silence Burundi With Emphatic CECAFA Opener Win

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Harambee Starlets Silence Burundi With Emphatic CECAFA Opener Win

Festus Chuma 18:15 - 15.06.2025

Kenya began their Cecafa title quest with a dominant win over Burundi, showcasing early form and squad depth.

Harambee Starlets began their 2025 Cecafa Senior Women's Championship campaign on a positive note by brushing aside Burundi 3-0 at the Azam Sports Complex on Sunday.

Kenya led by midfielder Martha Amunyolet, set the tone early giving head coach Beldine Odemba the perfect start in what promises to be a tightly contested regional tournament.

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It took just two minutes for the Starlets to find the back of the net.

Amunyolet pounced on a defensive lapse to slot home the opener, sending the travelling Kenyan fans into raptures.

Moments later, in the 5th minute, the midfielder doubled Kenya’s lead with a clinical finish following a swift counter-attack that left Burundi scrambling.

Amunyolet steals the show early

Amunyolet’s brace not only gave Kenya breathing room but also showcased the team’s intent to dominate the tournament.

Burundi, who had shocked defending champions Uganda with a 1-0 victory in their first match, struggled to replicate that form.

The Swallows defense looked shaky under pressure, and they rarely tested Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awuor.

The second half saw Kenya manage the game with composure, maintaining possession and dictating the tempo.

Burundi had a few promising moments, but they lacked the cutting edge to break through a solid Starlets backline anchored by captain Vivian Nasaka.

Faith Mboya puts the game to bed

Second-half substitute Faith Mboya added the icing on the cake.

Introduced in the final quarter, she latched onto a cross in the 84th minute to slot home the third goal, putting the result beyond doubt.

It was a confident finish from the youngster, a reminder of Kenya’s depth on the bench.

Kenya now turn their focus to Tuesday’s clash with Uganda, which could determine early control of the tournament.

The top two teams from the round robin format will contest the final, and on this evidence, Kenya look like early favorites.

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