Harambee Starlets are set to continue their dominant run at the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Championship when they face South Sudan in their third group match on Thursday afternoon in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Kenya have been in sensational form at the regional tournament, having already secured convincing wins over Burundi (3-0) and Uganda (4-0). Their free-flowing attacking style and solid defensive setup have made them one of the standout teams in the competition so far. A clash against a struggling South Sudan side presents another opportunity for the Starlets to showcase their quality and close in on a place in the final.
South Sudan, often referred to as the tournament’s whipping girls, have endured a torrid campaign. They have conceded nine goals without scoring any, following heavy defeats to Tanzania (4-0) and Uganda (5-0). Their defensive frailties and lack of cohesion have left them vulnerable, and Kenya are widely expected to capitalize on that.
The history between the two teams paints a bleak picture for South Sudan. The last time they met, during a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, Kenya ran riot, winning 8-0 in the first leg and 7-1 in the return leg for a 15-0 aggregate victory.
While Kenya are clear favourites, the technical bench is expected to rotate the squad. With 19 players in camp, the coaching staff is eager to give more squad members game time. Some of the players have yet to feature prominently, and with qualification within sight, it offers an ideal opportunity to test depth and offer experience to younger players.
The possibility of lineup changes does not, however, dampen expectations. Kenya’s bench strength has already proven capable, and the quality in the squad remains high. The likes of Violet Nanjala, who was surprisingly benched in the last match despite her fine form, could return to action, adding further firepower to the already dangerous side.
Kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 PM East African Time. Fans eager to catch the action can stream the match live on the CECAFA YouTube channel (CECAFA Online).
Beyond the pursuit of a semi-final place, Kenya have an eye on the bigger prize. A win over South Sudan would take them closer to lifting their second CECAFA Women’s Championship title, potentially joining Tanzania as the only nations to win the tournament more than once.
While the team’s run in the CECAFA Championship may not affect their FIFA ranking due to the nature of the opponents and tournament classification, the experience and morale boost it provides will be invaluable as they prepare for future international engagements.
