Odemba laments missed opportunity as Harambee Starlets fall to Tanzania in CECAFA final

Harambee Starlets head coach Beldine Odemba has voiced her disappointment after Kenya narrowly lost to hosts Tanzania in the final of the CECAFA Senior Women’s Championship.

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The Twiga Stars clinched their third CECAFA crown, cementing their status as the tournament's most successful side, courtesy of an own goal by Enez Mango, which handed them a narrow 1-0 win.

Kenya, hoping to equal Tanzania’s record by securing a second title, saw their dreams dashed in the decisive clash.

Odemba admitted that her side played well, but a costly defensive lapse proved the difference on the day.

“The girls played well. Let’s just agree that Tanzania were a much better team today. Of course, as a coach, I get disappointed when we don’t score,” Odemba said after the match.

Harambee Starlets miss out on second CECAFA Championship title after Tanzania defeat

“We conceded a very cheap goal; we could’ve done better. I wouldn’t say it was a complete switch-off. The second half had just started, and the players were alert. I think it was just a lack of communication.”

Kenya had enjoyed a dominant run to the final, beginning their campaign with a 3-0 win over Burundi, followed by a 4-0 demolition of Uganda and another 4-0 victory against South Sudan.

Tanzania, on their part, also maintained a perfect record heading into the final and used their home advantage to edge the Starlets when it mattered most.

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Twiga Stars captain Opa Clement, speaking after the match, praised her team's efforts and looked ahead to the upcoming continental showpiece.

“I’m happy that we’ve worked hard to win the trophy. It motivates us as we prepare for the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco,” said the elated skipper.

While Tanzania lifted the championship trophy and gold medals in the round-robin format tournament, Kenya settled for silver, and Uganda claimed bronze after finishing third.

Final CECAFA Women’s Championship results

Uganda 0–1 Burundi

South Sudan 0–4 Tanzania

Burundi 0–3 Kenya

South Sudan 0–5 Uganda

Tanzania 6–0 Burundi

Kenya 4–0 Uganda

Kenya 4–0 South Sudan

Uganda 0–2 Tanzania

Burundi 1–3 South Sudan

Tanzania 1–0 Kenya