In their first season in the top tier league, Ulinzi Starlets are champions of the inaugural Football Kenya Federation (FKF) Women’s Cup.The Joseph Mwanza-coached side faced off with three-time Women Premier League (WPL) champions Vihiga Queens who are currently preparing to represent CECAFA at the inaugural Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League in Egypt, emerging victorious in a 2-1 outcome.Maureen Shimuli gave a man-of-the-match performance, helping the military side maintain their one goal advantage in the first half of the match and denying Vihiga numerous chances to equalise after taking a 2-1 lead in the second half. Lucy Mukhwana beat Vihiga’s defence in the ninth minute to slot in Ulinzi’s opener in the ninth minute. Gentrix Shikangwa got a chance yo level matters five minutes later. Unmarked on the left flank, she send her shot towards goal, but Shimuli was in position, having read Shikangwa’s intentions early enough to pounce on her efforts with ease. While Ulinzi seemed to have sat back waiting to punish Nyamunyamuh’s charges on the counter attack, Vihiga mounted attack upon attack in search of an equaliser in vain. Janet Bundi came close in the 18th minute after she was brought down just outside the box for a free kick but her effort missed goal by inches. From then on, Vihiga pitched tent on Ulinzi’s half. Shikangwa, twice had chances to grab the equalizer, with the defence beaten and the keeper to content with and in both instances, she send her shots over the bar. Lady luck was not ready to smile on Vihiga as yet as they were denied by the goalpost in the 38th minute. In the 42nd, minute, Terry Engesha’s free kick missed target by a whisker as the match headed for the breather with the military side holding the slim advantage. On resumption, second half substitute Topister Situma drew Vihiga level but Emily Egesa gave Ulinzi the winning goal.Lilian Awuor, Vihiga Queens’ shot stopper won the golden glove award while Neddy Atieno won the golden boot award.Vihiga’s skipper Enez Mango was the Most Valuable Player (MVP) as action in the inaugural FKF Women’s Cup came to a close.
