Botswana Mares  knocked out Kenya’s Harambee Starlets as they qualified for Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals to be held in Morocco .

The Mares have secured back-to-back qualifications for the coveted continental women’s showpiece after beating a wasteful Kenya 1-0 yesterday, achieving a 2-1 aggregate win following a 1-1 draw in Nairobi last Wednesday.

Bad luck struck again in the Kenyan camp as Cynthia Musungu missed a penalty in the 54th minute following a handball inside the box by forward Nondi Fingi. During the first leg, Violet Nanjala also missed a last-minute penalty that could have given Starlets an advantage.

In the 61st minute, Nancy Chipo scored the lone goal for the hosts yesterday at the noisy National Stadium, left unmarked from the left side of the area, collecting a sweet pass from Veronica Magosti and looping the ball over Kenyan goalkeeper Lilian Awour who had left her line.

Coach Beldine Odemba made amendments to her lineup, giving Dorcas Shikobe the captaincy and a starting role, having sat out entirely during the first leg encounter. France-based goalkeeper Lilian Awour was also given a nod over regular starter Annedy Kundu, while sizzling Sheryll Angachi and Janet Moraa were included in the first eleven, replacing Marjolen Nekesa and Lorna Nyarinda respectively.

Kenya produced some fine displays in the first half of the game, with an Elizabeth Wambui free-kick on the edge of the box going over the bar 12 minutes after kick-off.

In the 23rd minute, Kenya could have grabbed the needed goal when Wambui delivered an inviting cross from the right wing, but Mwanahalima Adam’s diving header inside the yard went disappointingly wide.

Harambee Starlets survived a scare two minutes later with a powerful header from Goloboane Selebato that was collected by shot-stopper Awupr.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com