After a three-year hiatus, the CECAFA Women’s Championship 2025 has roared back to life in Tanzania, igniting renewed hope and competitive spirit among East African women’s football teams. Kenya’s Harambee Starlets, led by the dynamic midfielder Martha Amunyolet and guided by head coach Beldine Odemba, wasted no time signaling their intent with an emphatic opening win over Burundi at the Azam Sports Complex.
A powerful start sets the tone for the Harambee Starlets
The anticipation was palpable as Kenya stepped onto Tanzanian soil, eager to reclaim their place among the region’s elite. Within just two minutes of kick-off against Burundi, Amunyolet capitalized on defensive errors and slotted home the opening goal, setting the stage for a commanding performance. By the fifth minute, she doubled the lead—her clinical brace underlining not only individual brilliance but the team’s cohesion and early tournament readiness.
As the match progressed, the Starlets, showing remarkable composure and tactical acumen, dictated the game’s tempo. The backline, led by captain Vivian Nasaka, remained impenetrable, blunting Burundi’s sporadic forays forward. Substitute Faith Mboya eventually sealed the 3-0 victory in the 84th minute, highlighting the squad’s bench strength and depth.
Building momentum for a pivotal regional showdown
This strong start comes at a crucial moment for the Harambee Starlets, who are not only chasing regional glory but also using the tournament as vital preparation for their 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifiers against Gambia. After years away from continental action, the Kenyan side is eager to return to prominence.
Coach Beldine Odemba, who continued in her role after speculation about her future, has emphasized the importance of tournament cohesion and squad assessment. Her 23-player squad was carefully chosen to blend experience with fresh talent, providing opportunities for players like Kibera Soccer Women’s midfielder Medina Abubakar Hussein and Vihiga Queens’ forward Swaum Nanjaka Masungo. However, the team ultimately traveled with 21 players, with the absence of experienced midfielder Corazone Aquino due to personal reasons.
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Squad selection and the emergence of new talent
Odemba’s call-ups reflect a tactical approach, injecting new energy while maintaining a solid backbone. The squad shares roles between seasoned names and promising newcomers, aiming for balance. Players spoke candidly about their experiences; Abubakar described her pride and learning from veteran teammates, while Nasaka highlighted the team’s unity and readiness after focused training sessions at Kinondoni Municipal Council in Dar es Salaam.
- Goalkeepers – reliable options in Annedy Kundu, Lilian Awuor, and Vivian Shiyonzo,
- Defenders – a backline featuring Elizabeth Ochaka, Alice Mideri, Tabitha Amoit, and captain Nasaka,
- Midfielders – including Amunyolet, Diana Wacera, and debutante Abubakar,
- Forwards – a mix of Emily Morang’a, Faith Mboya, Swaum Nanjaka Masungo, and others rounds out a versatile attack.
The Starlets’ preparation is strategic, utilizing this CECAFA campaign as a benchmark before their crucial WAFCON play-off against Gambia, scheduled for October. Kenya’s path to the qualifiers was hard-earned, overcoming Tunisia 1-0 on aggregate in March.
History, context, and tournament significance
To appreciate the Starlets’ current journey, it’s important to trace their record in this regional contest. Since 1986, Kenya’s presence in the CECAFA Women’s Championship has been intermittent but impactful. They finished second in 2016, placed third in 2018, and captured their maiden title in 2019, defeating perennial rivals Tanzania in the final after a dominant semi-final against Burundi. That 2019 triumph remains a touchstone of pride—especially for a generation denied a title defense in 2022 due to a FIFA suspension.
This year’s format sees five teams—Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and South Sudan—in a round-robin battle, with the top two moving to the final. Hosts Tanzania, former champions Uganda, and defending champions Uganda provide no respite, making every match consequential.
Beyond rivalry—women’s football rising in East Africa
The return of the CECAFA Women’s Championship 2025 is more than a sports calendar fixture; it’s a celebration of perseverance and ambition. Teams like Kenya’s Starlets are not just competing for a trophy—they’re championing women’s football growth across the region. The emotion and commitment are palpable, from the focused Kenyan training sessions to the candid words of emerging players proud to wear their nation’s colours.
The Azam Sports Complex in Dar es Salaam is once again the theatre of dreams for East Africa’s best. With each pass, tackle, and goal, these women are scripting new history, inspiring both future athletes and a region hungry for sporting achievement.
What’s next for the Harambee Starlets?
Kenya’s next CECAFA clash against Uganda looms large, a match that may shape the group dynamics and tournament outcome. For coach Odemba and her players, the stakes are as much about pride as preparation. The lessons from this campaign will feed directly into the pressure cooker of continental qualification later in the year, reinforcing that every match, every training session, and every team selection matters.
As a journalist with a passion for telling the human stories behind these moments, I’m moved by the tenacity and dreams propelling the Harambee Starlets forward. Their narrative is not just about victory; it’s about breaking barriers, seizing opportunity, and igniting hope for generations of girls who see their reflections in today’s stars.
A regional championship, a catalyst for legacy
As the CECAFA Women’s Championship continues, eyes are on Kenya—not simply for goals or trophies, but for the resilience and unity they exemplify. In a few short matches, the Starlets have reminded us: football’s power lies as much in its stories as its scores, and when a team rises from setbacks—be it bans, player absences, or coaching uncertainties—it sends a message that resonates far beyond the pitch.
The 2025 edition promises not only fierce battles and unforgettable goals, but also a vision of a more vibrant, inclusive future for women’s football in Africa. As we follow each match, let’s celebrate the journey and the heartbeat behind every jersey. The Starlets, and their rivals, are writing their own legend—one tackle, one cheer, and one courageous step at a time.
