KWPL: Bandari Queens blow chance to close in on leaders Kayole after Makolanders draw

Bandari Queens missed a golden opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Kayole Starlets in the Women’s National Super League, as they were held to a goalless draw at home by Makolanders Starlets on Saturday.

The home side dominated much of the first half, but striker Cynthia Okwado was unable to convert several chances that came her way. As the first half neared its conclusion, Bandari Queens had another chance through Tacy Olembo, but she was too slow to capitalize, and her shot was cleared by the Makolanders defenders.

Despite being outplayed for much of the opening 45 minutes, Makolanders failed to register a shot on target and went into the break with the scoreline still level.

At the start of the second half, Bandari Queens made two changes, bringing on Hannah Njoroge and Chilo Chikophe in an effort to find a breakthrough. However, Makolanders' defence held firm, and it was Queens goalkeeper Belinda Akinyi who had to make an important save to deny Nyakha Evamia, the visitors’ only shot on target, from snatching a late winner.

Despite enjoying home advantage and coming off a 1-1 draw in Nairobi earlier in the season, the Queens were unable to break the deadlock, which saw them lose ground in the race for the top two positions. This allowed Kayole Starlets, who were also held to a 1-1 draw against Gor Mahia Queens in Nairobi, to maintain their lead.

Speaking after the match, Bandari Queens coach Janet Amunga expressed frustration over the missed chances that ultimately cost her team the win.

 "We did everything we could, but we couldn’t get the result. We missed so many opportunities, and it was just a bad day at the office," she said.

On the other hand, Makolanders Starlets head coach Florence "Duah" Adhiambo was pleased with the result, commending her team’s tactical approach.

 "We had a strategy in place after studying Bandari's style of play, particularly their frequent crosses. We relied on our goalkeeper's height to deal with the aerial threat, and it paid off," she said.