With the Harambee Starlets struggling to find the back of the net in recent outings, one forward currently making waves in Europe is hoping her form will earn her a recall to the national team ahead of crucial upcoming fixtures.
Kenya’s women’s national team has scored just two goals in their last five matches, including a solitary strike during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tunisia. The narrow 1-0 aggregate win secured them a spot in the final qualification round, but recent friendlies have exposed worrying signs. The team lost back-to-back matches against Ivory Coast by identical 2-0 scorelines before suffering a heavy 5-1 defeat at the hands of Morocco. These results have raised concerns about the team’s attacking potency heading into the all-important tie against The Gambia in October.
With qualification for WAFCON at stake, a return to the tournament Kenya last featured in back in 2016 hangs in the balance. As preparations begin in earnest, one player hoping to be part of that journey is Austria-based forward Sylvia Makungu.
Makungu, who plays for FC Wacker Innsbruck in the Austrian Women’s League, is enjoying a strong campaign. She has started 12 of 22 matches this season and found the net eight times, a return that underlines her effectiveness in front of goal. After impressing at club level, she believes she is ready to step up and contribute to her national side’s success.
The 24-year-old striker expressed her ambition to be part of the national team setup once again. Having previously represented Kenya at junior levels and made her senior debut in 2020, she now hopes her consistent club form can lead to a more regular role in the team.
“It is every player’s dream to get to the national team and I have that ambition as well. I have played at the junior levels and I’m crossing my fingers I can get an opportunity to represent the country in the journey to WAFCON,” she said.
Makungu added that she is fully committed and motivated to help Kenya secure a second-ever appearance at the continental showpiece. “I have worked hard this season and I believe I have shown good form. If given a chance, I am ready to give my best for my country. It is a really important tournament and personally, it has been my dream to play there.”
Born and raised in Korogocho, one of Nairobi’s informal settlements, Makungu’s journey to professional football in Europe is a story of determination and grit. Since joining Wacker Innsbruck in August 2022, she has steadily grown into a key player for the side, earning praise for her consistency and work ethic.
Despite making her debut for the Harambee Starlets five years ago, she has not enjoyed a consistent run in the squad. Now, with Kenya’s attack misfiring and a vital WAFCON qualifier looming, her experience and goal-scoring record could be what coach Beldine Odemba needs to reinvigorate the team’s frontline.
Makungu’s plea is clear: she is ready, willing, and able to contribute. Whether the coach answers her call remains to be seen, but her performances in Austria make a strong case for her inclusion as Kenya looks to return to continental prominence.
