Kibera Soccer Women Fc will play Ulinzi Starlets in the FKF WOMEN CUP Finals on 16th June 2024 at Dandora Stadium.
Away from the FKF WOMEN PREMIER LEAGUE, it is always a honor to play in the Cup. Since it’s inception, Ulinzi Starlets have won it and it is not a surprise for them to be playing in this edition’s Finals again. Kibera on the other hand have participated twice and in their first edition in the previous season they finished as second runners up only to come back to play in the finals for this edition.
In the first semi finals at Dandora Stadium, Kibera were hosted by Zetech Sparks a team which they play to almost a similar playing style. Mixed with experience and good quality of players, the Coach Benard Kitolo based side already seemed to enjoy the match as well as turned out favorites of they day as they took Kibera by the horns. They enjoyed numerous attacks at goal with one hitting the post but then their efforts did not go unpaid as with just a minute to clock the first half,winger Ann Arusi was brought down in the penalty box and referee Josphine Wanjiku could not hesitate but point on the penalty spot. Zetech experienced skipper stepped up equal to the task and easily converted the spot kick to a goal breaking the match to ensure Zetech head back to the dressing room leading the game and a with a probable one foot into the finals.
Back into the second half, Kibera seemed more energized and came with a new strategy that overpowered Zetech. Few minutes into the second stanza, Kibera had a shot that hit the bar minutes later they were running riot as striker Stella Adhiambo was fouled in the box earning herself a penalty. Substitute Lucy Njeri stepped up but failed to level scores as she hit the spot away from the goal post.This did not lower the Kibera spirit as in the 62nd minute a precise attack was launched landing the ball to Stella on the right wing who squared a pass to Lilly Mmboga whose composure and first touch was already a half goal that she sealed by letting off a low lying shot at goal to sprint for the corner flag to celebrate the equalizer. They did not give Zetech time to absorb the happenings as again in the 65th minute Stella was on it and this time into the box took a shot past the Zetech keeper that went direct into the net for a second goal. Zetech Sparks were then bundled out by the Kibera Soccer Women come back.
FULL TIME; ZETECH SPARKS 1:2 KIBERA SOCCER WOMEN FC
Come the second semi finals of the day where the defending champions Ulinzi Starlets were playing host to Kenya Police Bullets FC. An anticipated tough match that was already living to it’s stature from the first blow of the whistle. Police enjoyed the better part of the first half forging attack after attack to the Ulinzi goal post but goal keeper Judith Osimbo was on top of her game to prove her presence. The first half ended at a barren draw despite a number of goal scoring moments. In the second half, Police again came back with a best foot foward and at the 62nd minute striker Rebecca Okwaro was brought down in the box to ensure Police a goal scoring chance via a penalty. High ranking midfielder Lydia Akoth stepped up and would easily slid it past Judith Osimbo for a goal. Ulinzi had to compose themselves and the return of their head coach Mwanzia Wambua might have played a major role as in the 72nd minute dawn came as the high flying defender Lucy Akoth headed in the net from the captain Juma freekick that was sinked deep into the 18 yard box. This did only level the scores but again brought life into the Ulinzi team but time did not allow it to affect the scores as it ended 1:1 as at full time forcing the match into extra time spot kicks where Ulinzi emerged winners to book slot against Kibera in the Final.
FULL TIME; ULINZI STARLETS 1(4) : 1(2) KENYA POLICE BULLETS FC
Will Ulinzi Starlets defend the Cup again ? Will Kibera give us a new Cup winner ?