Kenya’s Harambee Starlets failed to reach the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after losing 2-1 on aggregate against Botswana at the National Stadium on Tuesday.

Having played out to a 1-1 draw in the first leg meeting at Nyayo Stadium, Botswana seized the opportunity of playing at home to defeat Kenya 1-0 and book their place in the finals of the tournament to be staged in Morocco.

Keitumetse “Benten” Dithebe scored the all-important goal in the 13th minute. Kenya were awarded a penalty which was saved by Botswana goalkeeper Sedilame Bosija. Meanwhile, Banyana Banyana qualified for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 (3-1 aggregate) victory over Burkina Faso in a second-leg qualifier at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Monday.

Read Also: Why I fear for my starting role in Zambia squad – Banda

The game also served as veteran defender Janine Van Wyk’s farewell match after she officially bowed out of the sport as the most capped African player (men or women). Van Wyk was substituted in the 8th minute and walked out to a standing ovation at the Atteridgeville venue, with the player’s parents and members of her club JVW in attendance in the stands.

The Sasol-sponsored South African senior women’s team had a slow start to the game as coach Desiree Ellis’ charges tried to find a way past the visitors. Burkina Faso stood their ground in the opening minutes and the two sides were deadlocked at 0-0 at the break.