Kenya’s Harambee Starlets have been eliminated from the Pink Ladies Cup following back-to-back losses, with their most recent setback coming from a heavy 4-0 defeat to Russia at Emirhan Stadium in Antalya, Türkiye, on Saturday evening.
Led by head coach Beldine Odemba, the Starlets faced a tough start in the tournament. After narrowly falling 1-0 to Chinese Taipei in their opening game, the Kenyan team was hoping for a stronger showing against Russia. However, despite making tactical adjustments with Elizabeth Mideva and Lavender Akinyi replacing Anyetu Purity and Lydia Akoth in the lineup, Starlets struggled to find their footing.
Russia, managed by Coach Yuri Krasnozhan, launched an aggressive attack from the onset. Dynamo Moscow winger Elena Shesterneva set the tone with an early strike in the sixth minute, neatly finding the back of the net from inside the box. Russia then doubled their lead just four minutes later, with Veronika Kuropatkina heading in a perfectly placed free-kick from Tatiana Petrova.
Starlets worked hard to regroup, but Russia continued to dominate possession and control the pace of the match. Kenya’s efforts to push forward yielded few opportunities, as Russia’s defense remained steadfast. The second half saw a continuation of Russia’s attacking prowess, with Valeria Bizenkova tapping in their third goal after a Kenyan defensive lapse. Later in the 80th minute, Kristina Komissarova added the final goal, capitalizing on another defensive error by Starlets.
This result leaves Kenya without a point after two matches, having conceded 5 goals and yet to find the back of the net.
In their final group game, Harambee Starlets will face the Philippines on Wednesday, October 30. Although the Starlets are now out of the running, the Pink Ladies Cup offers them valuable experience competing against international teams from Asia and Europe.
Starting XI: Annedy Kundu, Vivian Nasaka, Ruth Ingosi, Wincate Kaari, Norah Ann, Lavender Akinyi, Lorna Nyarinda, Fasila Adhiambo, Elizabeth Mutukiza, Rebecca Okwaro, Elizabeth Mideva
Subs: Judith Osimbo, Lydia Akoth, Fanis Kwamboka, Mollyne Akinyi, Providence Khasiala, Robby Maxmilla, Anna Arusi, Purity Alukwe, Lucy Kwekwe, Beverline Achieng