Coach cites inexperience as Vihiga capitulate to  ‘enemy forces’  Ulinzi

Vihiga Queens’ new signing, Swaumu Masungo, scored in the 35th minute to give her side the lead, and midfielder Diana Cherono doubled the advantage in the 41st minute of the match, courtesy of an assist by Masungo for a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Ulinzi responded with a goal through winger Joy Kindlady Oriyo in the 69th minute, and midfielder Ruth Aturo scored in the 71st minute to bring the hosts on level terms.

“Every mistake helps us learn. Our former captain Mauren Ater left to play in India, leaving a gaping hole which we have filled by  recruiting new players, but they have come  under pressure. It was evident against Ulinzi. We are still in the title race, and we consistently work to win three points in every match,” Nyamunyamuh told Nation Sport afterward.

Ater joined Indian Women’s Premier League Side East Bengal FC this month from Vihiga.

“We dominated the match in the first half, but they utilized their chances. We are not badly off with a draw away, considering we won at home in the first leg. My players lost composure in the last 20 minutes, and we were punished for it. We will work on our endurance to finish the full 90 minutes,” he added.

The Vihiga-based side has brought on board five players from Nyakach Girls in Kisumu County: Esellie Maureen, Musungu, Mercy Akoth, Mercy Awino and Christine Adhiambo. 

Ulinzi’s new coach, Collins Oduor, has yet to taste defeat since arriving last month and taking over from coach Stephen Ochollah who was asked to step down.

“We are also in the title race because the chances are high. I am here to make a difference with girls. We are on the right track,” said Oduor.  Under Oduor, the team recorded a 5-0 win over Wadadia, a 2-0 victory against Bunyore Starlets, and a 1-1 draw against Kisumu Allstarlets after coming from behind.

Soldiers remain fifth with 19 points as Vihiga leaps to third place with 21 points. In another match, Kibera Soccer Women defeated Bungoma Queens 4-1 at Don Bosco Tume Stadium in Nairobi to retain their second place.

Kibera scored through Faith Mboya in the 4th, 14th, 17th, and 45th minutes, while Catherine Khaemba scored a consolation goal for Bungoma in the 80th minute.

Khaemba leads the league with 11 goals, followed by Kenya Police Bullets’ striker Rebbeca Okwaro, who has nine. 
Kibera and the Bullets have 25 points, but Kibera trails by two goals.

Last Saturday, Okwaro’s 14th-minute goal helped league leaders Bullets defeat Kisped Queens 1-0 at Moi Stadium in Kisumu.

Defender Norah Anne returned to the starting lineup, while new signings Vida Okeyo and Eunice Njeri made their debuts, with Okwaro captaining the team for the first time. 

Goalkeeper Mishi Mbaru saved a penalty in the 63rd minute, ensuring the victory and keeping the Bullets at the top with 25 points from 12 matches.

At Imani Stadium, Ruiru Zetech Sparks drew 2-2 with Kisumu Allstarlets. 

Monalizer Owenya Anyango scored twice for Zetech in the 76th and 80th minutes, while Faith Ogada and Cynthia Akinyi scored for Allstarlets in the 39th and 82nd minutes. 

Zetech, coached by Harriet Fakhir, remains sixth with 18 points as it moved a step to eighth place with 14 points.

Weekend Results

Zetech Sparks 2 Kisumu Allstarlets 2

Kisped Queens 0 Police Bullets 1

Ulinzi Starlets 2 Vihiga Queens 2

Kibera Soccer Womens 4 Bungoma Queensn 1

Bunyore Starlets 1 Trinity Queens 0