Harambee Starlets Mwanahalima Jereko marks her debut against Arsenal in Champions League
By Luke Oluoch, September 23, 2026Harambee Starlets captain Mwanahalima “Adam” Jereko featured for her Danish side, HB Køge, as the club fell 1-0 to Arsenal Women in the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
The 10:00 PM clash saw Arsenal edge the stubborn Danish champions courtesy of an added-time penalty by Mariona Caldentey. Despite heavy pressure from the Gunners, the visitors stayed organised at the back, with Jereko leading the frontline effort to frustrate the two-time European winners and keep the scores level going into halftime.
Undone by a penalty
The Gunners dominated possession throughout the match and went close in the first half through Kyra Cooney-Cross and Frida Maanum, but they could not beat HB Køge goalkeeper Alberte Vingum.
Smilla Holmberg’s corner later hit the crossbar, and Leah Williamson fired over from close range in the second half, before substitute Selina Cerci was brought down in the penalty area, allowing Caldentey to make no mistake from the spot.
Securing berth among Europe’s best
For Jereko, who lifted the league trophy and domestic cup with her club last season—making her debut on such a massive European night marks another major milestone for the Kenyan international.
HB Køge secured their spot in the UWCL league phase on September 2, 2026, after eliminating PSV Eindhoven 2-1 on aggregate.
Jereko’s appearance in the prestigious European competition makes her just the second Kenyan female footballer to feature in the tournament, following in the footsteps of former international Marjoleen Nekesa.
Road to Poland
Despite the late heartbreak, Koge now shifts focus to their next clash against the Swiss side. Servette FC Chênois Féminin on Wednesday, October 1, 2026
The Danish club aims to become one of the best 18 teams battling out for the competition, ultimately honours and clinching the cup in May 2017 when the competition concludes in Warsaw, Poland.
The match served as a reunion for Jereko, who previously squared off against members of the Arsenal squad when the Harambee Starlets took on the Matildas earlier this year.”