Bandari Queens kicked off their 2026/2027 Women's National Super League campaign with an impressive 8-1 victory over Diani Queens at Mbaraki Sports Club in Mombasa on Saturday. The match got off to a lively start, with Mercy Masika opening the scoring for Bandari Queens in the third minute. However, Diani Queens quickly responded when Daisy Gichaine headed home from Riziki Malimau's corner to level the contest in the 10th minute.
Bandari Queens quickly regained the lead after Noel Shilachilo headed past Diani goalkeeper Muja Lila from Agnes Olesi's corner. The hosts further extended their advantage in the 37th minute when Happy Mutta capitalized on a defensive lapse by Diani, tapping home from close range to make it 3-1 at halftime. This set the stage for a dominant second-half performance by Bandari Queens.
The second half saw Bandari Queens dominate, adding four more goals to their tally. Substitute Narianah Nakato scored her first goal in the 52nd minute after being played through one-on-one by captain Florida Sidhani. Olesi then took center stage, scoring twice in quick succession in the 58th and 65th minutes to put Bandari Queens 6-1 ahead.
Mercy Masika completed her brace in the 76th minute, dancing past the goalkeeper before tapping the ball into an empty net following a defense-splitting pass from Salama Gaone. This goal highlighted the team's coordination and strategy on the field. Bandari Queens continued to press, with Nakato sealing the victory in the final minute of stoppage time.
The 8-1 scoreline reflected Bandari Queens' thorough preparation and dominance throughout the match. According to Bandari Queens head coach Jonathan Maraga Washe, the team's emphatic victory was a result of good preparation. He attributed the success to the team's CEO Tony Kibwana and Patron Captain William Ruto, who ensured they had sufficient time for a proper pre-season.
The victory sets a positive tone for Bandari Queens in the 2026/2027 WNSL season. The team's performance demonstrated their strength and teamwork, with multiple goal scorers contributing to the win. Key performers included Masika, Olesi, and Nakato, who each scored two goals or more.
The match marked the beginning of the WNSL season, with Bandari Queens looking to make a strong impression. With their convincing win, they have sent a message to their competitors in the league. The team's strategy and skill on the field were on full display, making for an exciting start to the season.
Key points
- Bandari Queens began their WNSL campaign with an 8-1 victory over Diani Queens.
- Mercy Masika, Agnes Olesi, and Narianah Nakato each scored two goals for Bandari Queens.
- The win was attributed to thorough preparation, with CEO Tony Kibwana and Patron Captain William Ruto playing a key role in the team's pre-season.
