Depleted Ulinzi Starlets fall to Kayole as soldiers feel impact of player exit to military training
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 30.11.25. | 16:09
Kayole moved up to third on the log with 13 points, following the win, while Ulinzi dropped to fifth on 11 points
Kayole Starlets’ fine form in the top tier continued after they edged hosts Ulinzi Starlets 3-2 in an entertaining Women Premier League (WPL) match played on Sunday, 30 November at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
In what was the only match of the day, Ulinzi went into the encounter on the back of a 3-0 win over Madira Assassins- and fourth on the log, while Kayole were sixth on the log- and had secured a 4-1 win over Kisped Queens in their last match.
Kayole started the match on a high, dominating the midfield and looking dangerous, on the flanks, thanks to Magneta Ocharo.
After the 10th minute, Ulinzi started to grew in confidence, with Lucy Nato and Charity Ekhavi coming close.
The first big chance of the match fell on the military side, in the 17th minute, when Mercy Airo was put through on goal and looped the ball over the onrushing Pauline Kathuruh, but the woodwork worked against her quest for the opener.
Having survived the scare, Kayole upped their tempo and eventually got a reward in the 26th minute when Ocharo picked a lose clearance from Margret Odiro and placed the ball past Judith Omondi.
Linda Ajwang got a chance to draw Ulinzi level five minutes later, but shot straight at Kathuruh who made a comfortable save.
In the 35th minute Chesang rose high to meet a corner, but her header went inches wide, as Kayole held on to their lead heading into the break.
Second half
Kayole got the first chance, in the second half in the 47th minute, when Ocharo picked a ball on at the edge of the box, drove inside and unleashed a shot, but Omondi came to the home side's rescue with a save.
Two minutes later, Ulinzi got their own chance, as Quinter Adhiambo whipped in an enticing cross that was met by Chesang, but her effort hit the side net.
Ulinzi drew level in the 58th minute through Nato, who converted from the spot after Hellen Ochieng had handled in the area.
However, their joy was shot-lived, as eight minutes later, Mercy Manguro expertly took on a free kick that went past Omondi.
Ulinzi scored their second through Quinter Odhiambo in the 78th minute, with the forward passing into an empty net after Kathuruh had spilled a shot from Lukhavi.
However, there was more twist to the match, as Kihara registered her name on the score sheet with a 90th minute goal against her former side.
This time, Kayole were able to hold firm into their lead until the final whistle, sending their fans into a frenzy.
Kayole moved up to third on the log with 13 points, following the win, while Ulinzi dropped to fifth on 11 points.
Ulinzi continues to suffer the brunt of the recent military recruitment that claimed some of their key players including: Lavender Akinyi, Mary Ojenge, Tabitha Amoit, Joy Kinglady, Phiona Ariko and Cindy Ngaira.
Kayole Starlets starting XI: Pauline Kathuruh, Drailer Sati, Lavyne Achola, Hellen Ochieng, Marion Wali, Mercy Manguro, Magneta Ocharo, Nuru Hadima, Lindah Kihara, Esther Ngugi, Shalin Otieno
Ulinzi Starlets staring XI: Judith Omondi, Diana Shakava, Sophia Adhiambo, Christine Chitsunyu, Margaret Odira, Charity Lukhagi, Linda Ajwang, Lucy Nato, Mercy Airo, Jackline Chesang, Quinter Odhiambo
.jpg)
