Kenya’s Harambee Starlets played to a 2-2 draw with Zambia’s Shepolopolo in the first leg fourth round 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifier at Kasarani on Friday.
The result leaves Kenya with a mountain to climb in the return leg next week having gifted Zambia two cheap away goals.
Shepolopolo opened the scoring through Grace Chanda in the 13th minute before Marthe Tembo’s own goal at the half hour drew the hosts level. Vivian Odhiambo sent Starlets ahead in the 75th minute but the joy was short-lived as Zambia leveled through Rachel Kundananji a minute later.
In the clash that was attended by hundreds of supporters, the first rela chance fell to Cynthia Shilwatso in the seventh minute but the Starlets forward shot wide.
Zambia then took the lead against the run of play when Chanda connected to Barbara Randa’s delivery from a freekick.
Mwanahlima Adam was denied by Zambia keeper Natasha Hazel in the 22nd minute. Starlets’ pressure paid when Tembo scored into her net in the 30th minute.
In the second half, Zambia made a substitution replacing Captain Misozi Zulu with Rachel Nachula while Kenya introduced Jentrix Shikangwa for Vivian Makokha in the 66th minute.
Odhiambo scored in the 75th minute after Hazel failed to hold onto a shot but disastrous defending allowed Kundanaji to level almost immediately.
The return leg will be on Monday in Lusaka, Zambia.
