Kenya’s women’s amputee football team achieved an inspiring fourth-place finish at the inaugural 2024 Women’s Amputee Football World Cup, held at the Romelio Martínez Stadium in Barranquilla, Colombia. They missed out on a medal after a narrow 1-0 loss to Poland despite a valiant effort in the third-place playoff early Monday.
The host nation, Colombia, clinched the championship title by overcoming the USA in a dramatic penalty shootout, ultimately winning 2-1 after equalizing 1-1 in regulation time.
Under head coach Clement Otieno, Kenya’s journey to the knockout stages was filled with tenacity. Their semifinal clash with the hosts ended in a close 1-0 defeat. However, Kenya had secured their place in the semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ukraine, where star forward Mercy Ajenjo scored the winning goal.
The group stage was equally impressive for Kenya. They edged out England 1-0, thanks to another crucial second-half goal from Ajenjo. They also held Haiti to a scoreless draw and triumphed 2-0 over Peru, with Ajenjo delivering yet another stellar performance.
The tournament was contested in a seven-a-side format with two 25-minute halves, drawing elite talent from around the world and spotlighting the strength of women’s amputee football.
Final WAFF Rankings:
Colombia
USA
Poland
Kenya
England
Ukraine
Ecuador
Peru
Brazil
Haiti
Kenya’s impressive run marked a significant moment for women’s amputee football, showcasing their skill, resilience, and potential on the world stage.
