Mathare United Women FC Fall To Mombasa Olympic At Makande Primary School
⚽ Result
Mombasa Olympic 2
Mathare United Women FC 1
🏆 Competition
FKF Women National Super League
Away league match
📅 When
Saturday, 31 January 2026
📍 Venue
Makande Primary school (Away)
Mathare United Women FC faced Mombasa Olympic in a league away fixture at Makande Primary School on 31 January 2026, kicking off at 1:00pm. The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Mathare United Women FC after a hard-fought 90 minutes plus injury time. Despite taking the lead before half time, Mathare were unable to hold on as Mombasa Olympic staged a late comeback to secure all three points.
Mathare United Women lined up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, designed to provide defensive solidity while maintaining attacking options through the midfield and lone striker. Valentine Khwaka started in goal, protected by a back four consisting of Veronica Nyambura at right back, Marline Atieno and Nestley Nanjala as central defenders, and Brenda Atieno on the left. The midfield featured Gladwell Musungu on the right wing, Sharon Juma and Beverlyne Awuor centrally, and Faith Atieno on the left flank. Just ahead of the midfield sat Dora Achieng in an attacking midfield role, supporting the lone striker Judith Atieno.
The match began with both sides probing for openings, but it was Mathare United Women who broke the deadlock shortly before half time. In the 42nd minute, Faith Atieno delivered a precise short pass inside the box to Judith Atieno, who calmly finished with her right foot from close range to give her side a deserved lead. This goal was a testament to the attacking midfield’s ability to link play and create chances for the striker. The teams went into the break with Mathare United Women holding a slender 1-0 advantage.
At half time, tactical changes were made by Mathare United Women as they sought to maintain their lead. Immediately after the restart, Gladwell Musungu was replaced by Mitshel Waithera on the right wing, while Dora Achieng was substituted for Seline Achieng in the attacking midfield position. These adjustments aimed to refresh the midfield and add more dynamism going forward.
The second half saw an increasingly physical contest, with Faith Atieno receiving a yellow card in the 54th minute for persistent infringements, reflecting the pressure Mombasa Olympic were applying on the left side. Shortly after, in the 62nd minute, Faith Atieno was withdrawn and replaced by Iddah Adhiambo, another tactical move to shore up the midfield and perhaps regain composure. Brenda Atieno, the left back, also picked up a yellow card in the 65th minute for similar persistent fouling, indicating the defensive strain Mathare United Women were under as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.
Mombasa Olympic’s persistence paid off late in the game. In the 81st minute, they levelled the score with a stunning direct free-kick from outside the box, struck with the right foot, which beat Valentine Khwaka and found the net. This goal shifted the momentum firmly in favour of the home side. Just three minutes later, Mombasa Olympic capitalised on a defensive mistake by Mathare United Women, scoring from close range with a right-foot finish to take the lead 2-1. The quick turnaround left Mathare United Women with little time to respond.
Despite their efforts in the closing stages, Mathare United Women could not find a way back into the game. The final whistle confirmed a disappointing defeat after leading for much of the first half. Judith Atieno’s goal and overall contribution earned her the player of the match accolade, highlighting her importance to the team’s attacking threat.
Mathare United Women will look to regroup following this narrow loss as they continue their league campaign, while Mombasa Olympic celebrate a hard-earned victory on home soil.
