Ulinzi Starlets defend FKF Super Cup title

Goals from Joy Kinglady and Mercy Airo in either half of the highly-anticipated clash between Women Premier League (WPL) champions Vihiga Queens and Ulinzi Starlets were enough to hand the latter victory. 

The two sides locked horns at the Utalii grounds in the second edition of the Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women's Super Cup, with the Joseph Wambua-coached military side, who are the FKF Cup holders, defending their title with the 2-0 win. 

"This is a good start to our season. We came for the match ready to win and i am happy we have delivered. Vihiga are not an easy side to play and they sure pushed us but my charges held on for this crucial victory," Wambua offered.

The military side got their first chance in the seventh minute after Airo was clipped just outside the box and the resulting free-kick flew past everyone to get to the goal but keeper Sophy Akinyi was at hand to punch it out for a fruitless corner kick. 

Airo was back at it four minutes later, building play from the middle of the pitch with some beautiful passing between her and Sherly Angachi to beat the backline of Phelistus Kadari and Robai Kebedi. 

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With just the keeper to beat, Airo hesitated, allowing the defence to regain their positioning and spoil the party for the Ulinzi brigade that was eagerly waiting for an easy conversion. 

The momentum changed as Vihiga settled into the game and it was former Ulinzi Starlet's Providence Mukhalo who brought Vihiga close in the 16th minute. With chance on goal, she sent a shot goalward but it was too feeble and Judith Omondi was at hand to collect the attempt easily. 

Martha Amunyolete's effort from a freekick a few yards outside the box brought Vihiga agonisingly close to the opener but she was inches off target, giving Omondi an easy time as she watched the ball roll out of the field of play. 

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There were more half chances for either side with Ulinzi denied twice by Vihiga's shot-stopper in the 25th and 33rd minutes, both times being Fasila Adhiambo's shots. 

The military side kept knocking and their efforts were rewarded five minutes to the end of the first half as Joy Kinglady cleverly beat Vihiga's offside trap to receive the ball from Cindy Ngaira and slot home past the helpless Akinyi for the opener, taking the match to the breather with Ulinzi holding the slight advantage. 

Wambua's charges picked up from where they left with a first-minute chance on resumption but Vihiga's keeper, Akinyi, was at hand to punch the attempt away. 

Thirteen minutes into the second half, Airo delivered Ulinzi's second goal off a beautiful volley after Vihiga's defense allowed the ball to bounce, twice, into the box and the on-rushing Airo connected well with the ball to shoot past Akinyi and double the soldiers' lead. 

Wambua's charges should have converted twice in quick succession between the 65th and 70th minutes but Airo and Kinglady missed sitters that would have put the match to bed. Their precision on defense, however, made sure Vihiga did not have a real chance in the second half so far. 

In the final quarter of the match, Vihiga Queens pushed forward but their efforts were not enough to break Ulinzi, despite coming close severally.