Kenya’s women’s amputee football team made history at the inaugural Women’s Amputee Football World Cup, held from November 4 to 11, 2024, in Barranquilla, Colombia. The team secured an impressive fourth-place finish, showcasing their talent and determination on the global stage.
The Kenya women’s amputee football team celebrates their historic victory over England, marking a pivotal moment in their journey at the 2024 Women’s Amputee World Cup./photo courtesy/
Under the guidance of head coach Clement Otieno, the Kenyan team navigated a challenging tournament format featuring ten teams competing in a seven-a-side format with two 25-minute halves. Their journey began in the group stage, where they demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill. Kenya topped Group B with a series of strong performances, including a crucial 1-0 victory over England, where star player Mercy Ajenjo scored the decisive goal. The team also held Haiti to a 0-0 draw and celebrated a 2-0 win against Peru, with Ajenjo again playing a pivotal role.
Advancing to the knockout stages, Kenya faced Ukraine in the quarterfinals on November 8. In a tense match, they emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win, thanks to another goal from Ajenjo. This victory made them the first African team to reach the semifinals of this prestigious tournament, capturing the attention and support of fans across the continent.
However, Kenya’s semifinal match against hosts Colombia proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite their best efforts, they lost narrowly 1-0, which set them up for a third-place playoff against Poland. In this closely contested match on November 11, Kenya fell short again, losing 1-0 and finishing fourth overall.
The tournament concluded with Colombia claiming the title after defeating the USA 2-1 on penalties following a dramatic equaliser that forced extra time. The final rankings saw Colombia crowned champions, with the USA as runners-up and Poland taking third place.
Kenya’s fourth-place finish is not just a significant achievement for the team but also a landmark moment for amputee sports in Africa. As the sole African representative in the tournament following Nigeria and Cameroon’s withdrawal due to visa issues Kenya’s success has set an inspiring precedent for other nations in amputee sports.
The World Amputee Football Federation (WAFF) President Óscar Andrés Pino highlighted the importance of such events in promoting inclusivity in sports. He stated that the tournament aims to create a platform for athletes to overcome adversity and showcase their abilities on an international stage.
The Kenyan team’s performance has sparked enthusiasm among supporters and fans back home. Their journey has been described as both inspiring and groundbreaking, as they continue to break barriers and make their mark in international amputee football.
As they reflect on their achievements at this World Cup, the Kenyan women’s amputee football team has not only gained invaluable experience but has also raised awareness about amputee sports in Africa. Their success story is expected to motivate more athletes with disabilities to pursue sports at competitive levels.
With their eyes set on future competitions, including potential qualifiers for upcoming international tournaments, the Kenyan team aims to build on this historic performance. They are determined to continue developing their skills and strategies under Coach Otieno’s leadership.
Kenya’s women’s amputee football team has made an indelible mark at the inaugural Women’s Amputee Football World Cup. Their fourth-place finish is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and talent, paving the way for greater recognition and support for amputee sports across Africa. As they prepare for future challenges, they remain hopeful of achieving even greater success on the world stage.
