Defending champions Ulinzi Starlets set up FKF Cup final showdown with Nakuru City Queens

© Ulinzi Starlets Media

FOOTBALL Defending champions Ulinzi Starlets set up FKF Cup final showdown with Nakuru City Queens

Joel Omotto 18:00 - 31.05.2023

The holders easily dispatched Kisumu Allstarlets while Nakuru withstood late pressure from Kibera Soccer Ladies to emerge victorious

Ulinzi Starlets are on course to defending their FKF Women’s Cup after sealing their place in the final where they will take on Nakuru City Queens.

Ulinzi made it to the final courtesy of a 3-0 thrashing of Kisumu Allstarlets in the second semi-final at the Rift Valley Institute of Science and Technology (RVIST) ground in Nakuru on Wednesday.

Ulinzi took a 2-0 lead at halftime before completing the demolition later as Kisumu failed to get revenge after losing to the same opponent 4-2 in the inaugural edition of the tournament last year.

“Three goals is a motivation for our next game which is Sunday’s final. We lost the league and as the defending champions, this is the cup we stand a chance of winning,” said Ulinzi coach Joseph Mwanza after the match.

Meanwhile, Nakuru City Queens ensured their place in the final following a nerve-wracking 3-2 victory against Kibera Soccer Ladies, the only FKF Women Division One team remaining in the tournament.

Kibera showed why they currently sit top of the division’s standings with promotion to the FKF Women’s Premier League next season firmly in sight as they run their rivals close.

Nakuru went ahead after just two minutes through Melon Mulindi but Kibera responded via a 28th minute penalty slotted home by Nancy Atako with the scores standing at 1-1 at halftime.

The home side started the second half brightly as Elizabeth Muteshi scored their second goal five minutes after the break before Jael Salano made it 3-1 from the penalty spot 16 minutes from time.

Kibera threatened a comeback when Atako scored hers and the team’s second goal just six minutes later but Nakuru held on to claim victory and set up the final meeting with Ulinzi.

The FKF Cup will act as a consolation for either of the two sides, having failed to mount a formidable title challenge in the league, which was one by Vihiga Queens last weekend. Ulinzi finished third while Nakuru were sixth in the top flight.