Gaspo deny Ulinzi to move closer to sealing second place

Women Premier League (WPL) zone A side Gaspo Women completed a double over debutants Ulinzi Starlets by edging them 1-0 thanks to a Winnie Kanyotu goal in an entertaining FKF Women's Premier League match played at the Stima Club in Nairobi.

The soldiers headed to the match looking to seal second place but it was the visitors who displayed a hunger to pick maximum points from the onset. Their efforts paid off in the 27th minute when Kanyotu caught the Ulinzi backline napping, to head home the only goal of the match for the win. 

Maximum points take Gaspo second in the zone at 28 points, one ahead of the day's looser. Baring calamity, the Kiambu-based side will finish second on the log as their final day match is against already relegated Makolanders. 

"We had already begun our preparations for the playoffs, having secured a place before the last two rounds. This match was part of our build up for the knock out but I am also happy the players have fought and held on for the win that takes us second on the log." 

"We lost some open chances in the match but what's more worrying for me is our transition from midfield to offence. More often than not, the wingers are finding themselves alone in the attacking area without any support. Our passing while on attack also needs some working on as we are losing balls easily on that last quarter of the field," said Gaspo coach Ayub 'Shaka' Inziani.

As the second place finishers, Gaspo are likely to meet zone B's Nakuru West Queens, Kisumu All Starlets or Trans Nzoia Falcons, all who have a chance to finish on third place for a playoff slot. 

"I am ready for any opponent in the knockout stage and I am not worried about who we are playing in the quarters. We will keep preparing with the playoff in mind," added the tactician. 

Meanwhile, Kayole Starlets made sure to stay out of relegation danger as they thrashed relegation-bound Makolanders 0-3 to bag maximum points and go fourth on the log at 16 points. Goals from Juliet Andipo in the 15th minute and a brace from Patricia Anyango in the 45th, 53rd minutes sealed the win for Kayole. 

In zone B, Trans-Nzoia Falcons whipped relegated Oserian Ladies 6-2 to better their chances of making it to the top three. The side, however, is also relying on losses for Nakuru and Kisumu who are in action on Sunday 6th June.

Violet Nanjala bagged a hattrick to take her goal tally to 17 and give her competitors for the golden boot ,Terry Engesha and Mwanahalima Adam, some work to do to catch up. The three were tied at 15 goals before the weekend matches. Tumaini Waliaula and Martha Karani added two and one each for the final Falcons' count of six. 

Amwayi's game plan as Falcons chase a WPL playoff slot

"We had a good game and the players kept to the game plan. Our target was maximum points and I am happy that we achieved that. It was also a good match for Nanjala as she chases the golden boot award. We had a few lapses in defence that lead to the opponent winning a clear penalty which they converted and added another goal, we therefore need to work on tightening our defence in the coming match against Vihiga Queens," said Falcons' Chris Amwayi. 

Everline Nzau and Ngaira Mila scored the consolation for Oserian. 

Results

Makolanders 0- 3 Kayole

Ulinzi Starlets 0-1 Gaspo Women

Trans Nzoia 6- 2 Oserain Ladies