Super Cup champions Ulinzi Starlets followed their season-opening Cup game with an easy win over Kangemi Ladies as the 2021/22 Women Premier League got off to an enchanting start. The match played at Nairobi’s Ligi Ndogo saw the military side send an early warning, scoring the opening goal in the third minute through a Siliya Rasoa tap in from close range into an empty net. Two minutes later, the Kangemi shot stopper was again beaten by Mercy Manguro who slotted in Ulinzi’s second for the early advantage. Rattled, Kangemi went on the defence and denied the soldiers numerous times. Relying mostly on counter attacks, the Dan Asiebella-coached Kangemi pulled one back in the 33rd minute through Emphreza Anyango from the spot for the match to head to the break with Ulinzi holding the slight advantage. On resumption, Lucy Mukhwana, who had been a thorn in Kangemi’s flesh the entire first half finally got her first goal of the match in the 46th minute. Laloline Aoko added another one in the 49th minute, to take the match to a 4-1 scoreline. Mukhwana added the team’s fifth and her second for a brace, putting the match away from the hosts who seemed to have surrendered to fate despite scoring a second goal in the 52nd minute through Loyce Akinyi. Second half substitute, Everline Juma made sure to get her name to the score sheet, pouncing on a loose outside the box to catch the keeper flat footed and score Ulinzi’s sixth with a shot that would have been easily taken care of. “I impressed with my team’s performance, especially the newbies signings who were making their debut. Three of them have scored and others provided assists. This is a good start for the team and I am confident we will get better with each match,” offered Ulinzi’s Joseph Mwanza.Kangemi who fielded a totally different squad from the one that did duty during the Division one playoffs, including a new technical bench say that despite the loss, they have picked valuable lessons. “I have had little time with the team and the players are also new, some with no league experience. They performed to the best of their ability and getting two goals from a team like Ulinzi is a good indicator of better things to come,” said coach Asiebella. Meanwhile, three-time champions Vihiga Queens got their campaign off to a winning start, defeating Nakuru City Queens 3-1 at Mumias grounds to set up for an interesting clash on 28 December when they face Ulinzi. On their part, holders Thika Queens picked their first win of the season in the opener against Kayole Starlets in a 2-1 outcome. Saturday resultsKangemi Ladies 2 vs 6 Ulinzi Starlets (Ligi Ndogo)Thika Queens 2 vs 1 Kayole Starlets (Thika) Vihiga Queens 3 vs 1 Nakuru City Queens (Mumias)Trans Nzoia Falcons 2 vs 0 Zetech Sparks
