Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor reflects on penalty heroics
Harambee Starlets goalkeeper Lilian Awuor (left) poses for a photo with defender Enez Mango after their victory over Tunisia in the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers at the Sousse Olympic Stadium on February 26, 2025.
Tunisia were awarded their first penalty in the 44th minute after defender Janet Mumo fouled striker Salma Zemzem in the box. Awuor stepped up and saved it, keeping Kenya’s slim advantage intact.
"I had mixed emotions during the first penalty; the team depended on me, so I had to step up. After I saved it, I didn’t know whether to cry or be happy," reflected the 25-year-old shot-stopper.
Harambee Starlets' first-choice goalkeeper Lilian Awuor was elated after making two decisive penalty saves against Tunisia in the return leg of the first round of their 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers at the Sousse Olympic Stadium on Wednesday.
Kenya secured a 1-0 aggregate victory after a 0-0 draw in Nairobi’s first leg, with midfielder Tereza Engesha scoring the crucial goal in the third minute.
