Saturday’s FKF Women’s Cup Round of 16 produced thrilling football action across five different venues in Kenya, as clubs battled for a coveted place in the quarter-finals.
At Ruaraka Grounds in Nairobi, Ulinzi Starlets edged out a determined Desert Scorpions side 1-0 in a tight affair. The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Siliya Rasoha struck the winner, ensuring Ulinzi Starlets advanced to the quarter-finals for the fourth consecutive season.
In Moi Stadium, Kisumu, Vihiga Queens delivered one of the most dominant performances of the day, dismantling Iron Ladies 5-1. Swaumu Masungo opened the scoring in the 10th minute after a clever through pass from captain Khasiala Providence Mukalo. A minute later, Diana Cherono Sigei doubled the advantage with a precise finish from a Noel Amutata assist.
Although Iron Ladies managed to pull one back in the 33rd minute, Vihiga Queens responded in style. Amutata made it 3-1 in the 59th minute, before Cherono secured her brace two minutes later. Ruth Khasoha then capped off the rout with a fifth goal in the 63rd minute following a set-piece delivery from Martha Amunyolete. It was a performance that underlined Vihiga’s hunger for another title.
RVNP Grounds in Nakuru witnessed a close contest between Ndarawetta Tea Queens and Trinity Starlets, with Trinity emerging 2-1 winners. Meanwhile, at Bungoma National Polytechnic, Bungoma Queens comfortably dispatched Gideon Starlets 3-0 in a commanding display.
Over at Sameta Grounds in Kisii, Kisii Queens and Eldoret Falcons battled to a 1-1 draw in regular time before Eldoret Falcons edged the hosts 5-4 in a nerve-racking penalty shootout.
Back at Ruaraka Grounds, Kibera Soccer Women claimed a 2-0 victory against Sunderland Samba, joining the other quarter-finalists.
As the dust settled on a thrilling matchday, six teams marched into the BetPawa FKF Women’s Cup quarter-finals: Ulinzi Starlets, Vihiga Queens, Trinity Starlets, Bungoma Queens, Eldoret Falcons, and Kibera Soccer Women.
With standout performances, especially from Vihiga Queens’ lethal striker Diana Cherono Sigei and Ulinzi’s match-winner Siliya Rasoha, the stage is now set for an exciting next round in the country’s premier women’s football competition.
