Harambee Starlets bounced back from their semi-final disappointment in emphatic fashion, thrashing Lesotho 6-0 on Tuesday, July 9, 2026, to secure third place at the Four Nations Tournament in Ndola, Zambia.
The victory came days after Kenya suffered a painful 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to hosts Zambia after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with Beldine Odemba’s side producing a dominant display in the third-place playoff at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Kenya made a bright start and broke the deadlock in the 11th minute when Violet Nanjala finished off a move initiated by Eglay Mukhwana to give the Starlets a 1-0 lead.
Just three minutes later, Tereza Engesha doubled Kenya’s advantage after capitalising on a Mwanahalima Dogo free-kick.
The Starlets continued to pile pressure on Lesotho and were rewarded again in the 27th minute when Fasila Adhiambo found the back of the net from a well-crafted delivery by Engesha.
Mukhwana then joined the scoresheet in the 42nd minute, converting a pass from Nanjala inside the box to send Kenya into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead.
Odemba made five changes at halftime, introducing Euphrasier Shilwatso, Lorna Nyarinda, Marion Serenge, Mary Nthambi and goalkeeper Vivian Shiyonzo.
The changes maintained Kenya’s momentum, with Mukhwana grabbing her second goal of the match in the 65th minute to make it 5-0.
Substitute Catherine Khaemba then completed the rout in the 74th minute, scoring shortly after coming on to seal a comprehensive 6-0 victory.
The win saw Kenya claim the bronze medal in the four-team tournament and end their campaign on a high note after missing out on a place in the final.
The tournament formed a key part of Harambee Starlets’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be held in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
Kenya have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Senegal and Algeria as they prepare for their long-awaited return to the continental competition.
The Starlets will be making their second appearance at WAFCON and their first since 2016, ending a ten-year absence from Africa’s premier women’s football tournament.
