Kenya Women National Super League

March 02 2025, 15:00

Kayole Starlets FC 2 : 0 Makolanders FC

Match Report: Kayole Starlets 2-0 Makolanders FC

We entered the match three points clear at the top of the table, with second-placed Bandari Queens temporarily closing the gap after their 1-0 victory over Mathare Women the previous day. Determined to restore our six-point lead, our girls took to the pitch with focus and intensity.

The game began with us on the front foot. In the 8th minute, Sarah Chalovu made a brilliant run down the wing and fired a shot from a tight angle, but the Makolanders’ goalkeeper reacted well to deny her. Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, we were unable to convert, leaving the first half goalless and our players and fans frustrated by the missed opportunities.

We started the second half with renewed energy. Mercy Mang’uro tested the goalkeeper with a long-range free kick, forcing a punch over the bar. In the 56th minute, we made our first substitutions, bringing on Chris Kach and Shalin Otieno for Sarah Chalovu and Valerian Nabwire.

The changes nearly paid off immediately, as Chris Kach delivered a pinpoint cross to Shalin Otieno, whose header went narrowly wide. Minutes later, Salome Drailer squared the ball to Shalin, but her looping effort over the keeper missed the target. Shalin then turned provider, threading a through ball to Salome, but her shot also went wide. At the hour mark, we introduced Melissa Vivian for Salome Drailer in another attacking change.

Makolanders thought they had taken the lead from a free kick, but their goal was ruled out for offside. Our relentless pressure finally paid off in the 80th minute. Shalin Otieno’s header found Molly Owuor on the run, and she expertly lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to give us the lead.

With momentum on our side, we pressed forward again. Five minutes later, Mercy Mang’uro unleashed a powerful shot that the Makolanders’ goalkeeper failed to handle cleanly. Shalin Otieno was quick to react, tapping in from close range to seal the 2-0 victory.

After the match, Player of the Match and goal scorer Molly Owuor praised her teammates and encouraged the fans to keep supporting the team:

My encouragement to my teammates is to keep pushing. With five games to go, it’s not over yet. To our fans, I love you all—keep supporting us!

This crucial win takes us to 42 points, maintaining our six-point lead over Bandari Queens, who sit on 36 points. Up next, we travel away to 11th-placed Uweza Women FC on Saturday, 8th March 2025. The squad will receive a boost by the return of our Striker, Esther Wanjiru, who was serving a suspension.

Matchweek 17 Takeaways

  • Molly Owuor scored her second goal of the season.
  • Shalin Otieno registered both a goal and an assist off the bench, marking her first time scoring in consecutive matches this season.
  • Pauline Kathuruh kept her 13th clean sheet in 15 appearances.

 

Player of the Match: Molly Owuor

Tip her via Payd: https://link.payd.one/matchweek-17-player-of-the-match-molly-owuor

 

 

 

 

 

Watch the extended match highlights below.