During our four day trip to Kisumu and Kisii we played 5 matches. On Thursday we took on Girls Talent Academy in Ahero and defeated them 8-0, but in all honesty it could have been 15-0 as we spoiled many good chances. It wasn't very competitive, but it did give us good practice at finishing around the goal, six different players scored goals in the match.
On Saturday in Kisumu we defeated Kasagam 6-0. We controlled the ball possession for almost the whole game. Irine Achieng started the scoring early with a great left-footed kick from the wing over the goal-keeper. In the finals we face SEP from Oyugis. They are similar to us in that they have school-going girls and try to use football as a way to impact other areas of their lives. The SEP team started much more aggressive than we did and their fans were cheering loud and also were very negative towards our team. I think our girls were a little intimidated and didn't react fast enough towards the ball. The other team scored early in the 2nd half to go ahead by a goal and their fans were even more relentless. Our girls kept battling and finally a few minutes before the end Dorothy Adhiambo scored a goal to even the score. Unfortunately we lost on post-match penalty kicks 3-2, but it was a good competitive game that will help us in the future.
On Sunday we travelled to Kisii and faced the 2nd best team i
n the country in the first match. Kisii United finished 2nd in the Kenya Premier League in their inaugural season. Our girls played very well, but fell 5-0. Only two goals came during the regular flow of the match, the others came on a penalty, a corner kick and a goalkeeping error. And we had multiple chances, but just couldn't quite convert. All of our players were 17 year old or younger, playing against much older and more experienced players. In fact, our 13 year old mid-fielder (Alicent), 14 year old mid-fielder (Raisha) and 14 year old defender (Linet) played exceptionally well. I was so proud of them and so was the Kisii coach. He was so impressed that he wants us to sign an official transfer for two of our players to join his team in the women's professional league next season. He was even willing to help pay their school fees if they come. It could be a great opportunity for them financially, academically and athletically.
n the country in the first match. Kisii United finished 2nd in the Kenya Premier League in their inaugural season. Our girls played very well, but fell 5-0. Only two goals came during the regular flow of the match, the others came on a penalty, a corner kick and a goalkeeping error. And we had multiple chances, but just couldn't quite convert. All of our players were 17 year old or younger, playing against much older and more experienced players. In fact, our 13 year old mid-fielder (Alicent), 14 year old mid-fielder (Raisha) and 14 year old defender (Linet) played exceptionally well. I was so proud of them and so was the Kisii coach. He was so impressed that he wants us to sign an official transfer for two of our players to join his team in the women's professional league next season. He was even willing to help pay their school fees if they come. It could be a great opportunity for them financially, academically and athletically. In the second match we scored a late goal to defeat Nyamira 3-2. We controlled the game early on going up 2-0, but let them back in the game before we finished it out.
It was a successful trip. Even though we were without 5 of our best players, our girls showed their talent, grit and determination. I am even more motivated to continue working with them and helping them achieve their goals.
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