Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have become the first team to be bundled out of the 2016 AWCON after losing 3-1 to Mali in Limbe on Wednesday, November 23, 2016.

The East Africans who are making first appearance at the continental stage controversially lost their opening group “B” tie 3-1 against Ghana on Sunday 20, and needed at least a draw against Mali to keep their hopes of reaching semi-finals alive.

They will wind up their campaign against seven-time champions Nigeria, who thrashed Mali 6-0 and drew Ghana 1-1, in a formality fixture.

Sebe Coulibaly put the Malians ahead in the 37th minute from a wonderfully struck free-kick for a 1-0 half time lead. Bassira Toure doubled the score five minutes into the second half before Coulibaly grabbed a brace from the spot for a comfortable 3-0 lead.

Cheris Avila pulled one back for the Kenyan queens but it was too late as they got knocked out of the tournament.

Mali will have to beat Ghana in their last fixture to sail through.