Ulinzi beat Nakuru 3-1 to retain FKF Women's Cup title

Ulinzi, who are also the Super Cup title holders, took home Sh500, 000 while Nakuru pocketed half the prize money.

In Summary

• Red-hot striker Mercy Airo netted a brace to put the Joseph Mwanza-coached Ulinzi in a commanding position before halftime.

• Neddy Atieno added a third at the death, rendering Mercyelina Wafula's strike a consolation.

Ulinzi Starlets celebrate after being crowned 2023 FKF Women's Cup winners at the Nyayo Stadium.
Ulinzi Starlets celebrate after being crowned 2023 FKF Women's Cup winners at the Nyayo Stadium.
Image: /EVANS OUSURU

Ulinzi Starlets successfully defended their Football Kenya Federation Women's Cup title following an emphatic 3-1 win over Nakuru City Queens at the Nyayo Stadium on June 4.

The soldiers won the inaugural competition in 2021 while last year the annual tournament was not played owing to the FKF's suspension by world football governing body, Fifa.

Ulinzi, who are also the Super Cup title holders, took home Sh500, 000 while Nakuru pocketed half the prize money.

Red-hot striker Mercy Airo netted a brace to put the Joseph Mwanza-coached Ulinzi in a commanding position before halftime.

Neddy Atieno added a third at the death, rendering Mercyelina Wafula's strike a consolation.

Ulinzi attacked from the start. Both Fasila Adhiambo and Ruth Wekesa missed chances in the opening eight minutes as Ulinzi controlled the play.

Their dominant display paid off two minutes later as Airo rose highest to head home the opener by beating Judith Omondi at the near-post. as Adhiambo offered the creative spark from the left wing.

In the 19th minute, Airo doubled Ulinzi's lead after her rocket from about 30-yards found the back of the net after hitting the woodwork to send the crowd into a crescendo.

The duo of Melo Mulindi and Lavenda Akinyi failed to get Nakuru back into the game after missing some clear-cut chances.

Determined to turn the result, Nakuru came out attacking in the second half. Substitute Wafula halved Ulinzi's lead after tapping home in the 48th minute to make the scoreline 2-1.

However, Atieno's stoppage time goal put the game to bed.