Ulinzi Starlets defeat Kibera Soccer Ladies to lift unprecedented third FKF Women’s Cup

Ulinzi Starlets have made history by beating Kibera Soccer Ladies 2-1 to successfully defend their Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Cup title and become the unprecedented three-time winners in a match played at Police Sacco Stadium, Nairobi.

Ulinzi Starlets showed intent early on in the match, after Captain Sheryl Andiba scored their first goal in the fifth minute.

The soldiers continued to dominate the match and nearly doubled their lead a minute later, but Lucy Nato’s shot was well cleared by Kibera Soccer Ladies’ custodian Vivian Shiyonzo.

Ulinzi created another chance in the 8th minute through long-serving forward Neddy Atieno, but her shot went wide.

In the 20th minute, Ulinzi fans were on their feet eager to celebrate the second goal, but Fasila Adhiambo’s shot went wide.

The soldiers were however gifted with their second goal in the 40th minute through Lynda Kihara, sending Ulinzi to the break with a comfortable lead.

Kibera returned from the break rejuvenated and were rewarded with a consolation goal in the 75th minute through substitute Maximillah Robi, who came in for Lucy Njeri in the second half.

Ulinzi nearly made it 3-0 when substitute Joy Oriyo, who also turns up for Rising Starlets, got a golden chance but was ruled offside by the referee.

Ulinzi coach Joseph Wambua Mwanza lauded his charges for holding on to the lead despite a second half scare from the opponents.

“We managed to score two goals, but in the second half the opponents changed their tactics which gave us a scare, but we managed to maintain our lead and win the match. They were behind by two goals, so it’s normal they had to work harder and score, but we did manage our game well and emerge victorious,” said Wambua.

On his part, Kibera Soccer Ladies coach David Vijago attributed the loss to the new team which was yet to fully jell.

“Football is a game of chances, it went the way it did and we lost the match. We can’t pretend but they had a good side and they prepared well from when the premier league started. My team is new and was assembled when we joined the premier league, but I congratulate them for playing well,” noted coach Vijago.

The culmination for the FKF Women’s Cup means the 2023/2024 season is over and now the teams will head for pre-season to prepare for next season scheduled to start in August.