Harambee Starlets kick-off Cecafa campaign on a wrong footing

Harambee Starlets kicked-off their Cecafa campaign on a wrong footing after falling to Uganda by a solitary goal.

A goalkeeping blunder by Poline Atieno gifted Uganda an easy goal early in the first half. Lillian Mutuuzo lobbed the ball onto the roof of the net when she took full advantage of a poor clearance by Atieno.

Despite dominating the game with 53 percent ball possession, Kenya left the pitch with nothing to show for their supremacy.

But it was Mwahalima Adams' well-chipped ball that clearly painted a picture of a disappointing evening for Starlets when the ball lazily bounced back to the keeper for a crucial save for Uganda.

In a game of missed chances, Neddy Atieno thought that she had pulled an equalizer for Kenya in the 39th minute only for the celebration to be cut short by a yellow flag.

Kenya also saw another goal disallowed when the referee called for a foul after Ugandan keeper collided with her defender.

The victory was a perfect revenge for Uganda, who lost to Kenya during the Africa Women Cup of Nations (Awcon) Qualifier in April, 2018.

Starlets will be seeking to make amends in their second match of the tourney against defending champions Tanzania on Saturday before tackling hosts Rwanda and Ethiopia.

Kenya XI: Poline Atieno (GK), Lilian Adera, Dorcas Shikobe, Elizabeth Ambogo, Wendy Achieng, Cheris Avilia, Cynthia Shilwatso, Mercy Achieng, Mwanahalima Adam, Neddy Atieno and Terry Engesha.