In other league matches, Trinity Queens edged out Kibera Soccer women 1 – 0 at Wolves Den while goals from Mercy Njeri and Rebbecca Okwaro helped Police Bullets beat Bunyore starlets 2 – 0 at Mumboha
Kenya Women Premier League giants Ulinzi Starlets faced another setback to their 2024/25 campaign after being held to a 1 – 1 draw by newly promoted side KISPED FC on Sunday 13th, 2024 at the Ruaraka grounds.
The soldier ladies started the match with composure and dominance managing to test the opponent’s goalkeeper twice in the early minutes but KISPED’s Lavendah Obongo stood strong. KISPED nearly took the lead in the 10th minute but Atsabina Laura failed to convert a cross from Desma Nyawade into an open post.
Ulinzi finally broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when central defender Lucy Akoth scored from a corner kick, tapping the ball home at the far end of the post. They almost doubled their lead moments later during a counter attack that caught KISPED off-guard, BUT Mercy Airo’s shot hit the side netting in a two versus one situation.
In the 29th minute, KISPED midfielder Lilian Adera equaled the scores with a stunning free kick with Ulinzi shot stopper Judith Omondi at fault. Omondi misjudged the bounce, allowing the ball to slip past her.
Just before halftime, Ulinzi came close to regaining the lead when captain Diana Shakava maneuvered past three defenders but her final pass cleared. KISPED also had another free kick opportunity with Adera testing Omondi again. Omondi managed to deny her this time, clearing the ball for a corner.
Despite dominating the second half, Ulinzi couldn’t find the back of the net. The introduction of Harambee Starlets midfielder Sheryl Angachi seemed to invigorate the team but KISPED held strong.
KISPED defender Benedict Oluoch lauded his team after the match stating, “Having lost last week, we came prepared for Ulinzi and were determined to get a point. As a new team in the league, we hope to replicate what Police Bullets achieved last season - winning the league and competing in the CECAFA tournament in our first season just like they did.”
Ulinzi Starlets assistant coach Franklin Miheso acknowledged the team’s struggle with goal scoring,” We have an issue with goal scoring and we are working on it. We lost many chances today and while our goal was to win, we thank God for what we’ve achieve. It’s early in the season and we are hopeful for the title.”
KISPED coach Daniel Minjis on the other hand expressed pride on his players, stating, “I am very happy with the team today. Securing a point against a strong Ulinzi side on their home ground is a great start for us. We now head back home for the first time this season to welcome Zetech and I know that we’ll use the home advantage and probably win.”
In other league matches, Trinity Queens edged out Kibera Soccer women 1 – 0 at Wolves Den while goals from Mercy Njeri and Rebbecca Okwaro helped Police Bullets beat Bunyore starlets 2 – 0 at Mumboha grounds. Police are now top of the KWPL with six points tied with Trinity FC.