Impressive Ulinzi Starlets retain FKF Women's Cup
What you need to know:
- Kibera Soccer Ladies walked home with Sh150,000, while Kisumu pocketed Sh100,000.
Holders Ulinzi Starlets Sunday defended their Football Kenya Federation Women's Cup after beating Nakuru City Queens 3-1 in the final at Nyayo National Stadium.
Striker Mercy Airo netted a brace in the 10th and 14th minutes respectively, while substitute Neddy Atieno scored a third goal in the dying minutes of the second half.
Nakuru Winger Merceline Wafula came off the bench to score a consolation goal for Nakuru in the early minutes of the second half. Ulinzi, under head coach Joseph Mwanzia, have now won the FKF Women’s Cup and Women’s Super Cup.
Ulinzi Starlets captain Everline Juma (centre) lifts the title after they beat Nakuru City Queens 3-1 in the final of the Football Kenya Federation Women's Cup on June 4, 2023 at the Nyayo National Stadium.
“We lost the league title and could not let go of the cup, so had to fight for it. Next season will be bigger and bettera and our aim will be to reclaim the the league title,” said Mwanzia.
Nakuru head coach Chris Wesonga conceded defeat.
"We tried our best, but luck was not on our side and we hope to come back better next time,” said Wesonga.
Ulinzi walked away with the trophy and Sh500,000, while Nakuru City Queens received Sh250,000.
Ulinzi won the inaugural edition in 2021 by beating Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) champions Vihiga Queens 2-0 at ASK Show ground in Nakuru.
Earlier, Division One side Kibera Soccer Ladies edged out Kenya Women's Premier League side Kisumu All Starlets 4-2 to finish third. Kibera Soccer Ladies walked home with Sh150,000, while Kisumu pocketed Sh100,000.
Midfielder Winnie Gwatanda scored a brace in the 16th and 57th minutes of the game before defender Zainabu Saki scored the third goal in the 56th minute.
Kibera striker Nancy Atako, who is the tournament top scorer, finished on 11 goals after scoring the fourth goal in the 64th minute. Trezer Manyala and Beverline Adika scored a goal each for Kisumu in the 13th and 52nd minutes respectively.
