AWCON Qualifiers: Neddy Akoth scored four goals to inspire Harambee Starlets to a dominant 8-0 win over South Sudan

Lawrence OtienoKenya, Africa Women Cup of Nations3 years ago

Harambee Starlets striker Neddy Akoth (L) leads her teammates in celebrating their huge win against South Sudan at Nyayo Stadium yesterday. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Starlets begin their quest for a place in Morocco next year against newbies South Sudan who are playing the qualifiers for the first time ever.

Akoth scored a first half hat-trick with captain Mwanahalima Adams and Jentrix Shikangwa grabbing bracea in the match that propela them to the next round.

Akoth gave Kenya the lead after two minutes of play before making it 2-0 within the opening five minutes.

At the half hour mark, Akoth grabbed her hat trick before Vihiga Queens striker Jentrix Shikangwa ensured Kenya took a comfortable 4-0 lead at the break with a goal in the 39th minute.

In the final half, captain Mwanahalima Adams joined the party with a goal in the 56th minute before Akoth scored his fourth of the match at the hour mark.

Shikangwa and Adams would later grab their brace to seal a dominant 8-0 win.

Starlets will now face off against either Uganda or Ethiopia in the second round. The winners on aggregate will qualify to join hosts Morocco in the regional showpiece.

Bright Starlets coached by South African Shilene Booysen and assisted by Kenyan Florence Adhiambo, were fresh from participating in the COSAFA tournament, will host the second leg in the same stadium on October 23 due to unavailability of CAF standards stadium in their country.