Kisii, Kenya — The Iron Ladies delivered a spirited performance against Shabana Starlets in a heated away fixture that will be remembered for its controversy, resilience, and heroic goalkeeping display.
The Iron Ladies were put on the lead by a goal from Viola Khalai, also known as Shosh, in the sixth minute, showcasing her exceptional skills and determination on the field. This early goal energized the team, igniting a wave of enthusiasm among the players and their passionate supporters in the stands. The Iron Ladies, known for their resilience and teamwork, quickly rallied together to maintain their advantage, setting the tone for what would become an intense and thrilling match filled with opportunities and challenges
The match’s defining moment came in the first half, when a Shabana Starlets defender clearly turned the ball into her own net following sustained pressure from The Iron Ladies. In a shocking twist, the goal was disallowed despite being visible to players and fans alike. The decision sparked protests from The Iron Ladies’ technical bench and players, but the officials stood by their call.
Moments later, Shabana Starlets capitalized on the confusion and went on to take control of the half, ending the first period with a 3–1 advantage under highly disputed circumstances.
The second half painted a very different picture.
The Iron Ladies came out with intensity and purpose, dominating possession and creating multiple scoring opportunities. Even as injuries began to mount — forcing several key players to play through pain — the visitors refused to back down.
Time and again, Shabana Starlets’ goalkeeper rose to the occasion, pulling off a series of brilliant saves to deny The Iron Ladies what would have been deserved goals. Her performance ultimately preserved the scoreline as Shabana Starlets held on despite being under constant pressure.
Speaking after the match, The Iron Ladies’ technical team praised the team’s character:
“We were denied a clear goal, but what we showed in the second half is the identity of this team. Brave, united, and relentless.”
Despite the setback, The Iron Ladies leave Kisii with heads held high, proud of their fighting spirit and encouraged by their performance against tough opposition.
The club now turns its attention to recovery and preparation for the next fixture at home vs Solasa Stima, aiming to build on the positives from a match that proved their growing strength and determination. With the support of loyal fans cheering from the stands, the players are focused on reinforcing their strategies and analyzing key moments from the previous game. Each training session is seen as an opportunity to refine their skills, solidify their teamwork, and enhance their performance on the field. The coaching staff is working tirelessly to ensure that the team is not only physically prepared but also mentally resilient for this upcoming challenge, as they seek to harness their momentum and secure another victory that will propel them up in the league standings.
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THE IRON LADIES SOCCER CLUB 