Kenya’s senior women’s football team the Harambee Starlets are through to the 2016 Women’s Cup of Nations for the first time in the country’s history.

The Kenyan Queens needed a simple draw against Algeria this afternoon at the Kasarani Stadium after a 2-2 away win last week, and they got it, rallying from behind to hold the North Africans 1-1.

Enez Medeizi Mango was the hero as she netted the all important equalizer in the second half after Bouheni Naima had given the visitors the lead in the first half.

Jereko Mwanalima Adam goal for the home side in the 16th minute was ruled off side as they showed early intentions.

In the 23rd the Fennecs went ahead through Naima who punished the Starlets for a poorly defended freekick.

Mary Kinuthia should have restored parity on restart but his strike hit the wood work.

The battle settled for a 1-0 scoreline at half time. In the second half, the Kenyan ladies gained more confidence pinning their opponent into their own half.

And in the 75th minute the effort payed off when Mango equalized sending the stadium into a frenzy.

The Harambee Starlets will now represent Kenya in the continental showpiece later this year in Cameron.

@bonfaceosano

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com