)
Kenya’s goalkeeper Lilian Awuor reflects on her emotional penalty saves that secured Harambee Starlets' victory over Tunisia in 2026 WAFON qualifiers.
Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor has opened up about her emotional rollercoaster after her match-winning performance against Tunisia in the first round of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers.
The 25-year-old shot-stopper, who made two decisive penalty saves in the return leg at the Sousse Olympic Stadium, played a crucial role in securing Kenya’s 1-0 aggregate victory.
Harambee Starlets arrived back in Kenya on Friday morning to a warm reception from fans and football officials at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
)
18:21 - 27.02.2025
'I could have retired at 25 or 21'- Yohan Blake on the tempting offers that nearly forced him to ditch Jamaica
The Jamaican sprinter revealed that loyalty to Jamaica and financial responsibilities have kept him competing, despite opportunities to retire much earlier.
PAY ATTENTION: Stay updated with the Latest Athletics News in Kenya from Pulse Sports.
Speaking before their departure to Tunis, the Farul Constanța goalkeeper reflected on the high-stakes match and her emotions in those crucial moments.
"It was a challenging game. Our opponents went home to analyze our strengths, which they clearly addressed," Awuor admitted as per Nation.
"I had mixed emotions during the first penalty; the team depended on me, so I had to step up. After I saved it, I didn’t know whether to cry or be happy."
)
12:26 - 26.02.2025
Benson Omala: The contract nightmare keeping him away from Gor Mahia
Benson Omala is still in the dark where he will be playing next after recent release by Al Safa SC and Gor Mahia have clarified why they won't engage him for now.
Kenya’s narrow victory was sealed after midfielder Tereza Engesha capitalized on a defensive error in the third minute of the second leg.
Tunisia, desperate to overturn the deficit, were awarded a penalty in the 44th minute when defender Janet Mumo fouled striker Salma Zemzem in the box. But Awuor, staying calm under pressure, made an incredible save to deny Tunisia an equalizer.
The drama intensified in the 78th minute when Rania Aouina went down inside the box under controversial circumstances, leading the referee to award another penalty to Tunisia. Awuor admitted that the call took her by surprise but remained focused on doing her job.
"I just tried focusing on the ball as I did not touch the striker. It was a do-or-die moment because the referee pointed to the spot immediately. I took the blame. The only way to redeem myself was to save the penalty. I just prayed, and I did," she revealed.
)
07:36 - 26.02.2025
AFC Leopards chairman Dan Shikanda explodes as Kasarani renovations force Mashemeji derby into uncertainty
Shikanda has proposed moving the Mashemeji Derby to Tanzania or Uganda due to the unavailability of a suitable venue in Kenya.
Awuor’s teammates and the technical bench erupted in celebration after her second penalty save, knowing that it had kept Kenya’s qualification hopes alive.
Harambee Starlets secured their place in the next round, setting up a crucial clash against Gambia.
Looking ahead, Awuor believes Kenya has what it takes to qualify for WAFCON 2026 but insists that the team must capitalize on its home advantage in the upcoming tie.
"Gambia are beatable if we capitalize on our chances, especially at home; then we can qualify for Wafcon next year," she noted.
Harambee Starlets, currently ranked 149th in the FIFA standings, will host the first leg against Gambia on October 20 before traveling for the return leg on October 28. Gambia, ranked 126th, advanced after defeating Niger 4-1 on aggregate.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)