Harambee Starlets produced a spirited performance against hosts Zambia but were eventually beaten on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time during their opening match of the Four Nations Tournament on Saturday.
The match, played in Zambia, formed part of Kenya’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with head coach Beldine Odemba using the tournament to assess her squad ahead of the continental championship.Coming up against one of Africa’s strongest women’s football teams, Kenya showed determination and resilience throughout the contest.
The Starlets matched Zambia for long periods and prevented the hosts from dominating despite playing away from home. The Copper Queens entered the match as favourites due to their impressive performances in recent years, including appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games. However, Harambee Starlets demonstrated their growing competitiveness by holding the hosts to a draw during regulation time.
Both teams created opportunities in an entertaining contest as they sought an early advantage. Kenya remained disciplined defensively while also showing attacking intent whenever opportunities arose.The match ended 1-1 after normal time, forcing the encounter to be decided through a penalty shootout. Zambia eventually held their nerve from the spot to secure victory and advance in the tournament, while Kenya was left to reflect on a brave performance that fell just short of success.
Despite the defeat, the result offered encouraging signs for the Kenyan technical bench. Facing a higher-ranked opponent provided an important test for the squad as preparations for WAFCON continue to gather momentum.Coach Odemba has repeatedly emphasized the importance of exposing her players to high-level international competition ahead of the continental tournament.
The Four Nations Tournament presents an opportunity for the Starlets to improve tactical organization, build team chemistry and gain valuable experience against quality opposition.The performance against Zambia is expected to boost confidence within the squad despite the penalty shootout loss.
Football analysts have often pointed to the need for Kenya to play stronger opponents regularly, and the match offered exactly that kind of challenge.Women’s football in Kenya has continued to grow in recent years, with Harambee Starlets playing a key role in raising the profile of the sport.
Qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations marked another important milestone for the national team, and the current tournament is viewed as a crucial step in the final phase of preparations.Attention will now turn to Kenya’s next match in the competition as the Starlets seek to build on the positives from their performance against Zambia. The technical bench will be keen to address areas that require improvement while maintaining the fighting spirit displayed against the hosts.
Although the result did not go Kenya’s way, the match provided valuable lessons and further evidence that Harambee Starlets are continuing to develop as they prepare for one of the biggest tournaments in the team’s history.
