For the first time in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), Ulinzi Starlets had the better of rivals Thika Queens, picking maximum points by a solitary goal in a match played at Ruaraka Grounds on Sunday.”It feels good to finally pick a win against Thika in the league. This was a tough match and at first it was frustrating how we were missing scoring opportunities especially in the first half. We had to regroup at half time and do better. Coming off a draw away to Nakuru, we had to work in making sure we secure maximum points at home. This gives us good momentum and morale ahead of another tough fixture against Trans Nzoia Falcons next weekend,” said Ulinzi skipper Diana Shakava. Heading to the match, the military side had lost home and away against the league champions in their debut season in the top tier league. Rasoha Siliya netted the all-important goal for Ulinzi Starlets, as they beat reigning champions @ThikaQueensFC at Ruaraka.#FKFWPL pic.twitter.com/maRBdu9ZY3— FKF Caretaker – Women (@fkfcc_women) January 23, 2022 The Joseph Mwanza-coached side had, however, exerted revenge against the Benta Achieng-led league holders in the season-opening Super Cup, winning on post match penalties. In a relatively balanced encounter, both sides created and missed scoring chances in equal measure with Ulinzi dominating the first half while Thika came alive in the second half. It was the soldiers who got the first chance to go ahead in the first half, winning a penalty, but Emily Auma’s effort hit the goal post and the resulting deflection missed goal by inches, Thika clearing in haste for a fruitless corner. The match headed to the breather with neither side opening their account and the match seemed to be heading for a goalless stalemate, I result neither coaches would be thrilled about as they had played for one all draws in their previous outings as well. However, second half substitute Siliya Rasoa madmade her presence on the pitch count as she rose above the Thika defense, to connect with a Shakava cross and head home for the winning goal in the 76th minute. Thika threw everything they had against Ulinzi who had now resulted to defending deep and relying solely on fast breaks to try and win a second. However, Thika’s efforts were frustrated with each passing minute and as the final whistle went, it was the soldiers celebrating. “To be honest, this loss hurts but it is part of football and we have to accept the result and work on our mistakes in our next encounter. As a team we need to improve our midfield and attacking departments as we lost many scoring chances,” said Thika assistant captain Nuru Hadima. Meanwhile at Mumias, visitors Gaspo Women held Vihiga Queens to a goalless draw subjecting the three-time league champions to their first draw of the season.
