President Uhuru, Kenyans congratulate Starlets on social media

President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenyans on social media in congratulating Harambee Starlets for hurdling past African football powerhouse Algeria to reach the 2016 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

Cheris Avilia scored late in the second half to end the Kasarani Stadium tie on a 1-1 draw to ensure Starlets sailed through on superior goal aggregate after having played to a 2-2 draw in Algiers.

“Congratulations Harambee Starlets for qualifying for the 2016 Women Africa Cup of Nations. You have done the Nation proud.” the Head of State wrote on his twitter account, amid reports that he could invite the team to State House.

“Dear Nick Mwendwa, at this rate tunataka friendly #HarambeeStarlets vs #HarambeeStars So proud of those ladies,” social media user Leon Lidigu tweeted, taking a swipe at the national men’s football team, Harambee Stars for their failings in the continental stage.

“#TeamMafisi would like to dedicate #WCWednesdays to all #HarambeeStarlets for making history,” radio presenter Shaffie Weru teased on twitter.

“Join me in CONGRATULATING our very own ‪#‎HarambeeStarlets for beating Algeria in Kasarani yesterday. Kayambaaaaa!!!” Popular Kenyan comedian and TV host Churchill Ndambuki invited more celebrations on Facebook.

“Congratulations ‪#‎HarambeeStarlets for qualifying for AFCON 2016. We are proud of you ladies, for making history. Hongera!” Eldest daughter of CORD leader Raila Odinga Rosemary Odinga posted on her Facebook account.

“What men can do women can do even better ‪#‎HarambeeStarlets,” Bungei K. Hillary joined the Facebook bandwagon in congratulating the Starlets.

“To #HarambeeStarlets you were born to sparkle, it’s just about time. Congratulations on your achievement. You’ve made us all Proud !!!” a jubilant Wagura Sam tweeted.

“Congratulations, @starlets254! It took energy and persistence, but you conquered it all! #HarambeeStarlets,” Joe Wanjohi recognized the spectacular way in which the Starlets qualified for the Cameroon continental show-piece.

”Come to think of it..why don’t we direct the money we spend on #HarambeeStars to #HarambeeStarlets,” Bethuel poked the Harambee Stars suggesting they need to emulate the achievements of Harambee Starlets to warrant any more support from Kenyans.

“#HarambeeStarlets can beat Harambee Stars anywhere, anytime any place in a match,” Calleb Odhiambo took another swipe at the men’s national team.

Even as these messages of praise kept pouring, lasting the entire Tuesday night and spilling into part of Wednesday morning, there are those that cautioned against celebrating too much saying there should be much more to expect.

“#HarambeeStarlets not best time to celebrate. Play semi-finals first,” Peter Okinda called for restraint on Twitter.

Story by Carol Kones and Alex Kinyua