Match Report: Vihiga Queens 1-0 Kayole Starlets

Kayole Starlets returned to action after a 64-day break, having last played on 21st February away to Kisped Queens. Vihiga Queens, who suffered a 2-0 defeat to Kayole in the first leg, came into the match on a two-game winless run.

FIRST HALF DRAMA

Kayole started brightly, with Magneta Ocharo connecting with Hadima’s cross, but her effort drifted narrowly wide. Moments later, Lindah Kihara came close to opening the scoring just before the 10-minute mark after rounding the goalkeeper, but a last-ditch defensive clearance denied her a tap-in.

Against the run of play, Vihiga Queens took the lead under controversial circumstances. A clearance appeared to strike a Vihiga player’s hand before falling kindly to Anita Namata, who made no mistake in front of goal. Appeals for handball were waved away by the referee.

Kayole continued to press for an equalizer, with Lindah Kihara, Faith Naliaka, and Lavyne Achola all coming close, though their efforts failed to seriously test the goalkeeper.

SECOND HALF

The second half began in similar fashion, with Kayole on the front foot and creating chances. Kihara once again came close, her effort going just wide. At the other end, the defensive line of Foscah Kanenge, Drailer Salome, Euphrasier Shilwatso, and Fidy Njoki remained solid, keeping Vihiga’s attack in check.

Late in the game, Ocharo found herself on the end of a Kihara’s cross but, under pressure, could not direct her effort on target. Vihiga nearly doubled their lead, but Salome Drailer produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep Kayole in the contest.

Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances, Kayole fell to a narrow defeat. The result leaves the team in 7th place on the standings with three matches remaining. Still not clear of the relegation battle, the team will be aiming for maximum points in their final fixtures.

MATCHDAY SQUAD

Starting XI: Pauline Kathuruh (GK), Drailer Salome, Foscah Kanenge, Fidy Njoki, Lavyne Achola, Eunice Nabwoba, Mercy Mang’uro, Nuru Hadima (C), Faith Naliaka, Magneta Ocharo, Lindah Kihara

Subs: Sonia Wambui, Nelly Achieng, Euphrasier Shilwatso, Naomi Masinde, Praxidies Shivikhwa, Calta Nasambu, Valerian Nabwire, Esther Ngugi

WHAT’S NEXT

Kayole Starlets return to action at home on the weekend of 2nd–3rd May against Trinity Starlets. Further details will be shared on our social media platforms.