Kayole Starlets extended their impressive run with a third straight victory, defeating four-time league champions Vihiga Queens in a commanding and disciplined performance at home.
LINDAH–MAGNETA COMBO STRIKES AGAIN
Kayole started brightly, nearly taking the lead inside the opening minute when Mercy Mang’uro spotted the goalkeeper off her line and attempted an audacious strike from midfield that flew just wide.
Vihiga responded with attacking pressure of their own, but the defensive line, anchored by Drailer Sati Fidy Njoki, Mary Wali, Lavyne Achola and goalkeeper Pauline Kathuruh, held strong, winning duels and maintaining excellent organization.
The breakthrough arrived in the 30th minute. A quick throw-in from Salome Drailer released Magneta Ocharo, who burst past her marker with pace before delivering a precise cross into the area. Lindah Kihara rose superbly to head home, scoring in her fourth consecutive match. It was the second time this season that Magneta has assisted Lindah in almost identical fashion, a partnership that continues to flourish.
SOLID SECOND HALF CONTROL
With a 1–0 lead at the break, Kayole Starlets returned for the second half with confidence and control. In the 65th minute, they came inches away from doubling the advantage when Kihara set up Faith Naliaka, whose curling effort beat the goalkeeper but ricocheted off the post.
The second goal eventually arrived in the 75th minute through substitute Ashley Shilwatso, who had been introduced just 15 minutes earlier. After Mang’uro won the ball in midfield, she released Lavyne Achola, whose looping ball found Ashley inside the box. With composure and precision, Ashley slotted home to make it 2–0.
Kayole nearly added a third late on. Lindah chipped the goalkeeper only to see her effort bounce off the underside of the bar. Lindah, reacted quickest to the rebound and set up Eunice Wabwoba, who saw her shot dramatically cleared off the line, denying Kayole a deserved late flourish.
WHAT’S NEXT
The win lifts Kayole Starlets to second place, pending results from the clash between Police Bullets and Ulinzi Starlets.
Next up is a top-of-the-table showdown against Trinity Starlets this weekend at Comboni Grounds in Gilgil, Naivasha, a high-stakes match with huge implications for the title race.
MATCHWEEK 8 TAKEAWAYS
- Lindah Kihara scored in her 4th consecutive match, taking her tally to 6 goals in 8 games.
- Ashley Shilwatso, fresh from national duty, netted her 5th goal of the season after coming on in the 60th minute.
- Magneta Ocharo assisted Kihara for the second time this season, with both players contributing G/A in each of the last four matches.
- The defense recorded their third clean sheet of the campaign.
- Mary Wali earned Player of the Match after a commanding defensive display alongside Fidy Kimani.
- Fidy Kimani earned her first start of the season in place of our injured Captain Hellen Ochieng, putting in a very solid defensive performance.