Ulinzi Starlets were unstoppable as they picked their first three points in the Kenya Women’s Premier League with a 3-1 win over Kayole Starlets in a match played yesterday at Utalii grounds.   

Experienced forward Neddy Atieno grabbed a brace in the 48th and 59th minute of the clash to add on to Patricia Amase’s 16th minute header for the comfortable win. Kayole’s Faith Otieno had handed her side their only goal in the 46th minute.   

One goal up, the military side suffered a blow as their goalkeeper Maureen Shimuli was red carded in the last quarter of the first half for a bad tackle forcing the team to  play with 10 players for the better part of the match. 

“We started well, got an early goal but lost concentration before the red card. The red card got us out of our comfort zone and forced us to push harder for this win.

I am glad my teammates fought to the last minute. We are taking every match as a final,” said Atieno who skippers the side.  

She added, “In our loss to Thika Queens, we lost a lot of chances that would have won the match for us. 

We had to work on that ahead of the second match against Kayole and despite playing with 10 players we maintained the same energy all through.

We are in a good place in terms of fitness and going forward we are hoping to maintain the same energy.”

Ulinzi tactician Joseph Mwanza said he had to make changes to achieve Sunday’s result, adding that fitness played a huge role in the win.  

“We had a few blunders in central defence in the match against Thika and I had to make changes and we have improved.

I also brought in Shimuli in goal but unfortunately she was red carded, but that is part of the game,” said coach Mwanza, adding that he feels the team is complete and they have depth in their squad to handle any match.  

In Zone A’s Saturday match, Thika came from one goal down to pick their second win of the season, downing Gaspo Youth 2-1 in a fiercely fought encounter. 

Wincate Kaari and Rachael Mwema’s goals in the 85th and 88th minutes broke Gaspo’s hearts who had led from the 46th minute from a Mercy Airo goal.  

In Zone B, newbies Nakuru West won 2-0 in a Saturday clash against Eldoret Falcons. 

Dianah Koskei and Stella Adhiambo gave the Nakuru side the win with goals in the 15th and 30th minutes respectively. 

In another match,  Trans Nzoia Falcons thrashed Wadadia 5-1 for their second win, having beaten Eldoret in their first match.  This was also Wadadia’s second loss as they had fallen 2-0 to Vihiga Queens.