Four-Peat Quest, Hungry Kibera seek to end the Soldiers reign in the FKF Women’s Cup, Match Preview

Ulinzi Starlets vs. Kibera Soccer Women: FKF Women’s Cup Quarterfinal Preview

Saturday, May 31, 2025, 12:00 PM EAT, Dandora Stadium, Nairobi  

The FKF Women’s Cup quarterfinals ignite Dandora Stadium this Saturday as defending champions Ulinzi Starlets face Kibera Soccer Women in a mouthwatering rematch of the 2024 final. 

This clash promises high stakes and fierce competition as both teams vie for a semifinal spot against either Zetech Sparks or Kenya Police Bullets.  

Context and Stakes

Ulinzi Starlets, the only team to win all three previous FKF Women’s Cup editions (2021, 2023, 2024), are chasing a historic four-peat. Their 2-1 victory over Kibera in last year’s final, powered by Sheryl Angachi’s early strike and Linda Kihara’s 38th-minute goal, cemented their dominance. However, Kibera, who finished third in the 2024/25 FKF Women’s Premier League (WPL) behind champions Police Bullets and Ulinzi, are no pushovers. After a strong season, they’re hungry to upset the military side and claim their first Cup title.

Recent Form and Road to the Quarterfinals

Ulinzi have been ruthless, dismantling TUK Ravens 8-0 in the Round of 32 and edging Desert Scorpions 1-0 in the Round of 16. Their disciplined, attacking style under coach Collins Ochieng has made them favorites. Kibera, meanwhile, showcased their firepower with a 6-0 thrashing of Gaspo Women in the Round of 32 and a 2-0 win over Sunderland Samba in the Round of 16. Despite recent WPL losses denting their title hopes, coach David Bujego is confident, with key players Lilian Mboga and Pauline Atieno back from injury.

Tactical Analysis and Key Matchups

Ulinzi’s game plan will likely hinge on their compact defense, led by 2024 Golden Glove winner Phiona Ariko, and their ability to exploit set-pieces. Joy Kinglady, with 12 WPL goals and three in this Cup (joint-top scorer), will be pivotal in breaking Kibera’s backline. Expect Ulinzi to press high and target Kibera’s midfield with 2024 Cup MVP Lavenda Akinyi’s dynamism.  

Kibera, however, boast the in-form Faith Mboya, whose 33 goals across all competitions this season, including three in the Cup, make her a constant threat. Supported by midfielder Maximila Robi, who scored in last year’s final, Kibera will aim to stretch Ulinzi’s defense with pace and direct play. Their goalkeeper, Vivian Shiyonzo, with 13 WPL clean sheets, will be crucial in thwarting Ulinzi’s attacks. Bujego’s side may opt for a counter-attacking 4-2-3-1 to exploit gaps left by Ulinzi’s aggressive pressing.

Head-to-Head Record

Ulinzi hold the edge in recent meetings, winning three of their last five encounters with Kibera, including a 1-0 WPL victory on April 23, 2025, at Ulinzi Sports Complex, where Fasila Adhiambo’s strike ended Kibera’s title hopes. Two draws round out the record.

Ulinzi have not lost a match under coach Collins Ochieng (15 Matches ,11 wins ,3 draws) since his arrival, with a 100% win record in this Cup.  

Faith Mboya’s 15 WPL goals were just one shy of the Golden Boot, and her 33 goals in 2024/25 are the most by any player in Kenya’s top 3 tiers of football

Kibera’s Vivian Shiyonzo was the joint Golden Glove winner , with 13 clean sheets in the WPL.