In a match decided on post match penalties following a two-all draw, Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Division One side Bunyore Starlets emerged victorious over Kangemi Starlets to be crowned champions in a match played at the Nakuru’s Show Grounds. The zone B champions, came to the playoffs on the back of 14 wins, two loses and one draw to top their zone. Up against zone A champions Kangemi Starlets, the side won 5-4 (3-2 on penalties) to head to the Women Premier League (WPL) as champions. “This is definitely a welcome achievement going into the premier league where we expect tougher opposition. The players gave their all, just as they have throughout the season. It was a tricky match seeing as it was our first meeting,” “We did not know what to expect even in our preparation that is why we chose to sit back in the initial stages and try beat them on counter attacks. They have a good midfield so we also had to force them to play on the flanks which worked in our favour,” said Bunyore head coach Daniel Arunga. In a closely contested match, it was Bunyore who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute as Susan Malda converted from a well delivered free kick beating Kangemi Starlets’ shot stopper Pauline Akoth for the opener and the slim advantage. ##EDITORS_CHOICE##On resumption, Kangemi looked hungrier for a goal and their efforts paid off in the 65th minute as division one top scorer Fasila Adhiambo scored the equalizer from close range. With ten minutes left on the clock, Kangemi took the lead for the first time in the match as second half substitute Mariam Susan put the zone A champions ahead. Their celebrations were, however, shoer-libed as Sharon Amayi, another second half substitute equalised fir Bunyore in the 85th minutes to force the match into a penalty shoot-out. “We know we have a target on our backs now as we head to the premier league as the division champions. We are looking to beef up the squad ahead of the season while maintaining the squad that we have used in the division one league. Our target as we make our debut is a top three finish,” added Arunga. His Kangemi Starlets opposite number Joseph Orao praised his charges for fighting to the end. Ulinzi Starlets crowned inaugural FKF Women’s Cup champions”The communication for this match was done on short notice and we did not have time to prepare well. Some players were engaged with the Under-20 national team too. Coming into the playoff, we had lost only one match to Mombasa’s MTG and we are hoping to bring the same firm to the premier league,” said Orao.
