Title Race Heats Up as Top Four Tighten in Women's League
Matchday 11 marked the end of the first leg of the season. Six matches were played over the weekend with the teams registering a mixture of the results. Out of six matches played, only two matches ended in a stalemate. 16 goals were scored across different pitches as only two teams managed to register a clean sheet; KISPED Queens and Kenya Police Bullets.
With the league table having a shake-up, the title race is wide open with the four points separating the league leaders, Kibera Soccer Womens and the fourth-placed Ulinzi Starlets. Following their victory against Trinity Starlets, Kenya Police Bullets who have a game in hand have reduced the gap at the top to one point. Vihiga Queens were stunned by resilient KISPED Queens. League record holders are placed fourth on the table tied on points with Bungoma Queens who have a superior goal difference.
At the root of the table, the struggling Wadadia and Bunyore Starlets remain in the relegation zone.
Bungoma Queen's net buster, Catherine Khaemba scored his tenth goal of the season. Beck Okwaro, who is not slowing down either, was on the score sheet against Trinity Starlets to add to her tally making it 9th of the season. Despite conceding, Kibera Soccer Women's shot stopper Vivian Shiyonzo still tops the clean sheets chart with 7. Annedy Kundu, who was not in the match day squad for the league defending champions comes second with 6 clean sheets.
Vihiga Queens 0 -1 KISPED Queens
Boniface Nyamunyamu’s coached side were stunned once again by the determined KISPED Queens. Linda’sfirst-halff early strike was enough to deny the 4 times league champions a win. This season, Vihiga Queens are struggling in front of the goal as they are not scoring a lot. The lack of goals might be attributed to the departure of their dependable striker Tumaini Waliula, for who they are yet to find a perfect replacement. KISPED Queens enjoyed their triumph against the league giants as the results moved them away from the relegation zone.
Wadadia 1 - 3 Ztech Sparks
Mumias-based side woes continue. Against Ztech Sparks, Wadadia had only one player on the bench as a substitute. The host game plan was going well as agreed in the pre-match team talk, however, they succumbed to the visitors' pressure in the 70th minute conceding 2 quick-firee goals. Beverlyne Adika and Monalizer Anyango scored the goals. Initially, Wadadia scored from a direct freekick as Sparks goalkeeper mistimed his steps in dealing with the step piece. Relegation stares at Wadadia as they are placed last on the log. With a massive win, Ztech Sparks are fifth placed 5 points away from first.
Kenya Police Bullets 3 - 0 Trinity Starlets
Red hot Emily Moranga's impressive performance propelled the law enforcers to an important victory. Having scored and provided an assist, it was enough to be crowned a woman of the match by Police Bullets fans. Diana Wacera and Golden Boot chasing Rebecca Okwaro also smiled with the back of the net. Trinity Starlet's impressive season start has vanished as they are not putting in the results. Beldine Odemba is fighting with all of his guns to defend the league title, having played a game less, her side is just a point away from first.
Bungoma Queens 3 - 1 Bunyore Starlets
Catherine Khaemba and Caroline Khaemba were again on the score sheet as rejuvenated Queens from Sangalo silenced their former coach Solomon Masika who leads Bunyore Starlets. “Watoto wa Khaemba wanasaidia hii team sana” This is a slogan that always rents the air whenever the “Khaemba” sisters score. Bungoma Queen's sits third on the table, two points below the league leaders. Bunyore Starlets' struggle continues as they are deep-rooted in the relegation zone.
Kisumu Allstarlets 1 - 1 Ulinzi Starlets
The lake-based side frustrated the military side by holding them to a draw. Monica Etot's strike was cancelled by Lona's second-half sublime goal. Ulinzi Starlets are placed fourth on the log with four points away from first spot. Kisumu Allstarlets with the recent win against KISPED Queens and a draw against the military side, are 4 points away from the relegation zone.
Mombasa Olympics 1 - 1 Kibera Soccer Women
The league newbies frustrated the league leaders by denying them three points. The struggling side, who are in the relegation zone, have managed to collect 8 points. Kibera Womens with a draw, their lead at the top has been reduced to one point.
Feature image credit: Wadadia
