Royal Phoenix FC And Destiny Ladies FC Draw 2-2 In Lively Friendly

Royal Phoenix FC travelled to Umoja Primary School on 17 November 2025 for a 3:30pm kick-off in a friendly away fixture against Destiny Ladies FC. The match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw after 90 minutes of competitive football, with both sides showing attacking intent and defensive lapses.

Royal Phoenix lined up in a 4-2-1-3 formation, deploying Dorcas in goal to marshal the backline. The defensive quartet consisted of Babra at right back, Annah and Tinah Oloo as central defenders, and Matilda on the left. In midfield, Joan Mageto and Martha Magucha operated as the two central midfielders, providing both defensive cover and forward thrust. Ahead of them, Darmah took up the attacking midfield role, tasked with linking play and creating chances. The front three featured Mariam Kidoti on the right wing, Fatuma Njira leading the line as striker, and Mercy Wairimu on the left wing. The substitutes named were Fatuma Madimpolz and Gloria Damaris.

From the outset, Destiny Ladies capitalised on a defensive error to open the scoring in the 18th minute, their forward calmly slotting home with the right foot. Royal Phoenix responded with urgency, and in the 26th minute, Fatuma Njira equalised with a powerful long-range strike, expertly set up by a short pass from Joan Mageto. However, the visitors’ defensive frailties were exposed again when Destiny Ladies regained the lead in the 34th minute, once more benefiting from a defensive mistake and finishing with the right foot.

Royal Phoenix showed resilience and determination to level the scores before half-time. In the 42nd minute, Joan Mageto unleashed a precise right-footed strike from outside the box, assisted by Mercy Wairimu’s short pass, to make it 2-2. This goal was a testament to Mageto’s ability to influence the game from central midfield and his eye for goal.

The first half concluded with the score locked at 2-2, setting up an intriguing second period. Early in the second half, Royal Phoenix made a double tactical substitution at the 50th minute mark. Fatuma Madimpolz replaced Babra at right back, while Gloria Damaris came on for Annah in central defence. These changes aimed to shore up the defence and inject fresh energy into the team.

Throughout the match, Tinah Oloo and Joan Mageto stood out for Royal Phoenix. Oloo’s composure and organisation at the heart of defence were crucial in managing Destiny Ladies’ attacking threats, while Mageto’s creativity and goal-scoring prowess earned her well-deserved recognition as one of the players of the match.

Despite the substitutions and tactical adjustments, neither side could find a winner in the second half, and the game ended in a balanced 2-2 draw. The match provided valuable experience for Royal Phoenix FC as they prepare for more competitive fixtures ahead.