Mathare United Women FC Edge Hildana Queens FC 1-0 At Alexander Sports Complex

Mathare United Women Women FC secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Hildana Queens FC in a keenly contested league away match at the Alexander Sports Complex on 23 November 2025, kicking off at 1:00pm. The win was hard-fought, with the solitary goal proving decisive in a match marked by tactical discipline and physical intensity.

Mathare United Women lined up in a 4-1-3-2 formation, deploying Valentine Khwaka in goal to marshal the defence. The back four comprised Veronica Nyambura at right defender, Marline Atieno and Mollyne Akinyi as central defenders, and Rachael Adhiambo on the left flank. Sharon Juma operated as the lone holding midfielder, tasked with shielding the defence and recycling possession. Ahead of her, the midfield trio featured Faith Atieno on the right wing, Sylvia Otieno centrally as the attacking midfielder, and Jerrine Adhiambo on the left. Up front, the strike partnership consisted of Mitshel Waithera on the right and Gladwell Musungu on the left, expected to combine pace and creativity to trouble the opposition defence.

The match began with both sides probing cautiously, but it was Mathare United Women who first found themselves under scrutiny when Sharon Juma received a yellow card in the 23rd minute for persistent infringements, signalling the physical nature of the contest. The hosts responded with pressure, but it was Mathare who broke the deadlock in the 36th minute. Gladwell Musungu played a clever short pass into the box, setting up Mitshel Waithera who calmly tapped in from close range with her right foot, giving Mathare the crucial lead.

The intensity of the match escalated as the first half neared its close. Veronica Nyambura was booked in the 39th minute for dissent, reflecting the mounting frustration on the pitch. Just two minutes later, Mitshel Waithera also picked up a yellow card for persistent infringements, underscoring the competitive edge Mathare brought to the game. In the 43rd minute, substitute Vivian Adhiambo was cautioned for dissent as well, indicating tensions were running high on both benches. The half concluded with Mathare holding a slender advantage.

The second half saw Hildana Queens FC pushing for an equaliser, but Mathare’s defensive organisation remained resolute. However, the physicality of the match continued to be a feature, with Gladwell Musungu receiving a yellow card in the 58th minute for a bad tackle, highlighting the combative nature of the encounter. In response to the game’s demands, Mathare made a tactical substitution in the 68th minute, bringing on Iddah Adhiambo for Gladwell Musungu to inject fresh legs and maintain their attacking threat. Later, in the 85th minute, Vivian Adhiambo replaced Mitshel Waithera, another tactical move aimed at preserving the lead and shoring up the midfield.

Despite Hildana Queens FC’s efforts in the closing stages, Mathare United Women’s defensive line, marshalled expertly by Rachael Adhiambo on the left, who was deservedly named player of the match, held firm to secure a clean sheet. Valentine Khwaka’s goalkeeping and the disciplined back four ensured that the solitary goal was enough to claim all three points.

Mathare United Women FC’s victory at the Alexander Sports Complex was a testament to their tactical discipline, resilience, and clinical finishing. The 4-1-3-2 formation allowed them to control midfield while maintaining a potent attacking threat, ultimately earning them a valuable league win on the road.