Ulinzi Starlets dent Gaspo Women's title hopes

© Gaspo Women

WPL Ulinzi Starlets dent Gaspo Women's title hopes

Festus Chuma 14:40 - 18.05.2023

The former Thika Queens creative midfielder Lydiah Waganda scored the opener in the first half of the match against Ulinzi Starlets at GEMS Cambridge School

Gaspo Women FC suffered a letdown on Thursday afternoon settling 1-1 draw at home against Ulinzi Starlets following their concession of a late equalizer.

Lydia Waganda scored the opener in the 32nd minute but Ulinzi Starlets found a late equalizer towards the end of the tie.

Ulinzi Starlets  had their first real attempt at goal when SophiaAdhiambo volleyed the ball just wide of goal after the ball had fallen to her on the edge of the box in the 16th minute.

Four minutes later Neddy Akoth  was one-on-one with Gaspo Women’s keeper Valentine Khwka, but the former Makolanders striker shot straight at the keeper. 

The home side had their opportunity at the other end seconds later when Andrine Birungi did well to skilfully beat her marker and eliminate a few defenders. She then set up Diana Wacera, who toe-poked the ball into the side netting with her left foot.

The game had begun to open up after the half an hour mark and Gaspo Women would punish Ulinzi Starlets for their erratic defending in the 32nd minute and Lydiah Waganda was the player who beat Ulinzi Starlets goalkeeper to make it 1-0 to the hosts.

Ulinzi Starlets  coach Joseph Mwanzia had to react and he introduced two strikers at the beginning of the second stanza  as the visitors looked to level matters.

Mercy Airo, who has scored seven goals in the current campaign, injected some pace into Ulinzi Stalets attack.

The Mountain Queens were happy to sit back and defend their slender lead in the closing stages of the encounter.

However, they were punished when they conceded a penalty in the 89th minute of the match which Ulinzi Starlets easily converted to make it 1-1.

The teams traded half-chances in the dying stages, but neither had the confidence and composure to fully capitalize and earn themselves all three points on offer.

At the same time, Trans Nzoia Falcons continued their hot streak edging Nakuru City Queens 3-2 at Ndura Sports Complex in Kitale.