Kenya Women Premier League

October 12 2025, 13:00

Gideons Starlets 2 : 3 Kayole Starlets FC

Match Report: Gideon Starlets 2–3 Kayole Starlets

Kayole Starlets picked up their first win of the 2025 FKF Women Premier League season with a thrilling 3–2 comeback victory over Gideon Starlets away in Homa Bay. Both sides entered the fixture looking to bounce back after opening-day defeats, but it was the visitors who showed superior composure and fighting spirit to claim all three points.

The game started brightly for Kayole, and the early pressure soon paid off. In the 9th minute, Ashley Shilwatso rattled the crossbar from a curling free-kick, and Lindah Kihara reacted quickest to tap in the rebound for her first goal of the season.

The hosts tried to find a way back but were continually repelled by the solid defensive pairing of Hellen Ochieng and Foscah Kanenge. Midfielders Faith Naliaka and Nuru Hadima also went close with long-range efforts. However, just before halftime, Gideon Starlets found an equalizer in the 41st minute when Stacy Koech slotted home after a header rebounded off the post, sending the teams level at the break.

The second half began with renewed energy from both teams. Goalkeeper Pauline Kathuruh made several key stops to keep the scores even, but in the 78th minute, a speculative long-range shot slipped through her hands, putting Gideon Starlets 2–1 ahead.

Kayole’s response was instant. Substitute Bobby lofted a precise ball over the defense, and Ashley Shilwatso calmly looped it over the goalkeeper for a quick equalizer in the 79th minute. With momentum on their side, Kayole pushed forward relentlessly, and in the closing stages, Lindah Kihara turned provider, finding Ashley again, who finished clinically at the near post to secure a dramatic late winner.

The 3–2 victory marked a significant milestone — Kayole Starlets’ first win of the season and their first away victory since returning to the Premier League.

Starting XI

P. Kathuruh (GK), M. Wali, F. Kanenge, H. Ochieng, L. Achola, M. Mang’uro, N. Hadima, A. Shilwatso, F. Naliaka, S. Otieno, L. Kihara

Substitutes: E. Gor, F. Kimani, E. Bobby, E. Ngugi, V. Nabwire, S. Drailer

Matchweek 2 Takeaways

  • Lindah Kihara scored her first goal for the club and provided an assist.

  • Ashley Shilwatso continued her incredible form, registering two goals and one assist, including the late winner.

  • Kayole Starlets celebrated their first win of the season, achieved away from home.

  • The fixture marked a milestone as the first-ever Kayole Starlets match to be livestreamed, attracting 13 K views on Facebook.

  • Player of the Match: Ashley Shilwatso 🏅

Match Highlights

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