Starlets survive Ethiopia scare to set Tanzania final

Kenya Harambee Starlets came from a goal down to edge out hard-fighting Ethiopia’s Lucy 3-2 in a tight semi-final of the 2016 CECAFA Women Championship at the FUFA Technical Center in Njeru, Jinja on Sunday.

Starlets became the first team to book a place in the decider with all their goals coming in the second half where Neddy Atieno grabbed a brace before Caroline Anyango scored the eventual winner to overcome a huge scare from Ethiopia who became the first side to score against David Ouma’s team in the regional tournament.

In the other semi at the same venue, Tanzania crushed Uganda 4-1 to book a date with Starlets in Tuesday’s final, while the latter will lock horns with Ethiopia in the third place playoff before the final.

Esse Akida, who has scored in every match apart from Sunday’s, almost gave Kenya the lead but her long range shot hit the cross bar with the goalkeeper beaten.

Two minutes later, Ethiopia got their first real chance when a free kick by Shetaye Sisaya from the edge of the box was well smothered by custodian Samantha Akinyi.

Losa Abera then gave the Ethiopians a first half lead in the 36th minute, after a sumptuous cross by Erhima Zeregaw in the middle of Kenya’s defense.

Abera’s goal prompted coach Ouma to execute the first change withdrawing team manager cum player, Doreen Nabwire for Corazon Odihambo seven minutes to the breather, before Elizabeth Ambogo came on for Cheris Avilia.

After the restart, Starlets returned a different side with Atieno netting two quick goals to edge her side to a 2-1 lead before Ethiopia missed a glorious opportunity to level through Mesmerem Kanko in the 71st after she shrugged off every challenge but could not shoot past the impressive Akinyi.

It was skipper Mary Kinuthia’s corner that produced the winner with 15 minutes remaining, Anyango connecting with the ball at the far post to fire past a confused Liya Shibru in Ethiopia’s goal.

Abera hauled the game back to 3-2 with her double in the 82nd to set the grandstand finish but Starlets held off a late onslaught and nerves to punch their ticket to Tuesday’s final.