Bandari Queens down Sunderland Samba

Bandari Queens returned to winning ways in the Women National Super League with an impressive 3–0 victory over Sunderland Samba in a rain-soaked mid-morning clash at Serani Sports Ground in Mombasa.

Goals from Mercyline Mwalimu, Agnes Olesi and Chilo Chikhope sealed a convincing win for the hosts after a tense first half that ended goalless.

Sunderland Samba started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock in the 8th minute. Striker Magavo Dedan found himself one-on-one with Bandari Queens goalkeeper Belinda Akinyi, but his looping effort narrowly missed the target.

The visitors threatened again in the 20th minute when winger Mary Akeyo attempted a clever loop over Akinyi. The ball beat the goalkeeper but was dramatically cleared off the goal line by defender Zipporah Faida.

Bandari Queens gradually grew into the match as the first half progressed. Midfielder Naomi Almasi registered the hosts’ first shot on target in the 25th minute, but Sunderland goalkeeper Lynn Oliech made a comfortable save. A minute later, Saumu Mnyanzi came close, her effort striking the side post.

Almasi remained lively and tested the Sunderland defense again in the 37th minute with a close-range strike, but Oliech was equal to the task. Moments later, Idah Odhiambo unleashed a powerful 30-yard shot that forced the Sunderland goalkeeper into a brilliant save, tipping the ball out for a corner.

Bandari Queens finally broke the deadlock ten minutes into the second half. Mercyline Mwalimu calmly tapped the ball into the bottom corner after connecting with a well-placed pass from Agnes Olesi.

The hosts doubled their advantage in the 66th minute when Agnes Olesi finished neatly inside the 18-yard box after receiving a clever through ball from Irene Namale.

Bandari Queens continued to press forward and were rewarded again in the 83rd minute. Chilo Chikhope tapped into an empty net following a well-delivered corner kick from Florida Sidhani, sealing a dominant performance for the home side.

Speaking after the match, Bandari Queens head coach Jonathan Washe praised his team’s response after their previous result.

“This was a very crucial win after the home draw against Gor Mahia Queens. I thank my players for bouncing back to winning ways,” he said.

Sunderland Samba Queens team manager Maureen Obonyo, however, felt her side was unfortunate not to get a result.

“We played well, but the rain affected us, especially in the second half. We were the better team in the first half but unfortunately couldn’t get the goals,” she said.