A late strike by Esse Akida saw Harambee Starlets come from a goal down to beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1 in an Africa Women Cup of Nations Qualifier played on Wednesday, June 6, 2018, at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

Jade Boho Sayo had put the guests ahead in the 39th minute after Starlets had failed to deal with a corner kick by Genoveva Anonman.

The lead did not last long, however, with Vihiga Queens forward Teresa Engesha restoring parity only two minutes later from 35 yards out, catching Equatorial Guinea keeper Lucrecia Boabaila off her line.

As the match seemed to be heading for a draw, second-half substitute Cynthia Shilwatso found a way in the left flank and brought in a low delivery that found Esse Akida unmarked. The Spedag FC forward made no mistake in sending a low drive for Kenya’s winning goal.

Starlets will hope to replicate their performance when they travel to Bata, Equatorial Guinea for the second leg match, slated for Saturday, June 9, 2018, at the Estadio Nkoantoma de Bata.

A win on aggregate will guarantee Kenya a second appearance at the Africa Women Cup of Nations set to be held in November 2018, in Ghana.

Also Read: Coach David Ouma upbeat ahead of Equatorial Guinea AWCON Qualifier

Harambee Starlets Starting XI

18. Poline Atieno (GK), 15. Wendy Achieng (C), 12. Lilian Adera, 5. Dorcas Sikobe, 19. Elizabeth Ambogo, 7. Cheris Avilia, 6. Sheryll Angachi, 17. Corazone Aquino, 9. Neddy Atieno, 2. Mwanahalima Adam, 11. Teresa Engesha.

Substitutes

1. Maureen Shimuli (GK), 3. Phelistus Kadari, 20. Dorris Anyango, 10. Carolyne Anyango, 16. Mercy Achieng, 4. Cynthia Shilwatso, 14. Esse Akida

Equatorial Guinea Starting XI

25. Lucrecia Boabaila (GK) 10. Genoveva Anonman (C), 9. Dorine Nina Chuigoue, 3. Noah Salome Ghyslaine, 21. Laetitia Chapeh Yimga, 5. Jacky Mossomo Annette, 12. Celestina Manga Besecu, 19. Cecilia Akeng Nengono, 4. Esperanza Mbang Mba, 8. Jade Boho Sayo, 15. Gloria Chinasa Okoro

Substitutes

1. Dolores Hernandez Mansogo, 13. Emiliana Nchama Ndong, 11. Luz Milagrosa Obiang, 20. Mari Cruz Oburu, 16. Milagrosa Mecheba Ebako, 14. Ramona Mibuy Ndong, 2. Inmaculada Avelina Ndong