L. MathekaWPL title race down to the wire as Gaspo are held
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 18.05.23. | 19:08
The final league match will see Gaspo take on Vihiga Queens
Women Premier League (WPL) title-contenders Gaspo Women might have just thrown away their chance of defending their crown after playing out to a one-all draw against Ulinzi Starlets.
The match played on Thursday 18 May at GEMS Cambridge saw Ulinzi score a late equalizer through a Mary Ojenge penalty in added time to salvage a point and break the hearts of the Gaspo faithful who were holding on to hope that Lydia Waganda’s 31st minute goal would propel them to the top.
Ulinzi Starlets hold Gaspo Women to a 1-1 draw. A big dent on Gaspo's title chances. Vihiga Queens the biggest beneficiary.#FootballKe
— Murimi Njiru (@muriminjirujnr) May 18, 2023
Heading to the game, the Kiambu-based side needed maximum points to equal four-time champions Vihiga Queens’ 49 points and go top by virtue of a better goal difference but the draw leaves them on 47 points, two behind the holders.
“It was a tough match, we expected positive results but things did not go our way. We still have two more matches to play and we remain positive and focused on the ultimate prize, the title. Nothing is lost yet. We focus on the next game against Wadadia, pick the win then we can plan for the final match of the season against Vihiga,” James Ombeng’, the team’s goalkeeper trainer at the heart of Gaspo’s run.
The coach has, however, faulted the officiating for the draw saying the last-minute penalty for the soldiers was undeserved. “That was poor officiating,” he said.
With two matches left, the military side has secured third place on 39 points as fourth-placed Wadadia would need to win the remaining two matches, hoping Ulinzi lose, and score 19 goals to bridge the gap in goal difference.
“It was a good game and the point goes a long way. We lost the home match and were angling for maximum points away but that did not go to plan. I rested a few players here but I am happy with how those called upon performed,” Ulinzi’s Joseph Wambua said.
In other matches Nakuru Queens fell to Tran Nzoia Falcons 3-2 while Thika Queens mauled Kangemi Ladies 8-1 as Wendy Achieng scored four to move joint top in the golden boot race on 17 goals.
Results
Gaspo Women FC 1 - 1 Ulinzi Starlets
Kisumu All Starlets 2 - 0 Kayole Starlets (W/O)
Trans Nzoia Falcons 3 - 2 Nakuru City Queens
Kangemi Ladies 1 - 8 Thika Queens
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