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Kenya women fight for recognition
- Updated: April 19, 2016
“Sometimes our communities have not supported girls to play football, it is considered a man’s game.”
The words of Kenya women’s national team captain Mary Kinuthia reveal the enormity of their achievement in qualifying for the 2016 Africa Women Cup of Nations.
Not only were the Harambee Starlets, as they are known, up against tough competitors on the field, they also faced opposition off the field – from their compatriots.
“At times we have had to come out and go against our parents or guardians to be able to do what we like the most, to play football,” Kinuthia told BBC Sport.
The risk has been worth it for Kinuthia and her team-mates, who have secured a first appearance for Kenya women at an international tournament.
Kenya reached the finals, which take place in Cameroon from 19 November to 3 December, by beating Algeria on the away goals after a 3-3 aggregate draw over two legs.
That there has been no domestic women’s football league in Kenya makes the feat even more remarkable.
This is a turning point for Kenya women’s football
Doreen NabwireKenya women team …
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