Kayole Starlets showcased incredible resilience and the true 1960 fighting spirit as they secured a hard-earned 3–2 away victory over three-time FKF Women’s Cup champions Ulinzi Starlets.
MAGNETA OCHARO AGAIN!
Both teams began cautiously, with disciplined defending on both ends. Ulinzi came closest early on when Mercy Airo’s clever lob beat Pauline Kathuruh but crashed off the crossbar in the 12th minute.
Kayole struck first in the 26th minute with a brilliantly executed team move. A moment of magic from Salome Drailer caused chaos in the Ulinzi backline, and after a failed clearance, the ball fell kindly to Magneta Ocharo, who calmly lifted it over the goalkeeper. It was her second goal in back-to-back matches, continuing her fine run of form.
Ulinzi pushed hard for a response, but the Kayole defense, with Drailer, Wali, Achola, Ochieng, and Kathuruh, held firm to maintain a 1–0 advantage at the break.
THE 1960 FIGHTING SPIRIT
Ulinzi started the second half strongly and equalized from the spot in the 60th minute after a handball decision against Mary Wali. Lucy Nato converted, pulling the hosts level.
But Kayole responded instantly. Just five minutes later, Mercy Mang’uro stepped up and curled a stunning free-kick into the bottom corner, her first goal for the club this season, to restore our lead.
Chances fell to Magneta Ocharo and Lindah Kihara to extend the advantage, but Ulinzi held on. In the 81st minute, captain Hellen Ochieng was forced off with an injury and replaced by Foscah Kanenge.
UNSTOPPABLE KIHARA
Ulinzi equalized again in the 86th minute through Quinter Oduor, setting up a tense finale. But Kayole refused to settle.
In the 90th minute, Esther Ngugi delivered a superb long through-ball. Spotting the goalkeeper off her line, Lindah Kihara struck from the edge of the box to seal a dramatic late winner, scoring against her former club and extending her scoring streak to three consecutive matches.
WHAT’S NEXT
Kayole concludes a busy November with three wins, one draw, and one loss, climbing to 3rd place on the log. The team returns home to face Vihiga Queens on Saturday at 1 PM at Utalii Grounds.
MATCHWEEK 7 TAKEAWAYS
- Lindah Kihara has now scored in three straight matches and leads the team with 5 goals in 7 matches, also winning Player of the Match.
- Magneta Ocharo scored again, making it 3 G/A in her last three matches.
- Mercy Mang’uro netted her first goal this season for Kayole with a superb curling free-kick.
- Esther Ngugi continued her excellent form with yet another assist.
- Captain Hellen Ochieng was stretchered off with an injury; early assessments show no rib damage, and further tests will follow.