By KPC Reporter

Salome Mndala struck a hat-trick as KCA University beat hosts Taita Taveta University 3–0, while Kenyatta University edged Chuka 1–0 at the Women Only Championships.

Mndala delivered a scintillating performance while Eunice Opiyo grabbed the decisive goal as Kenya College of Accountancy University and Kenyatta University opened their football campaigns with victories at the 15th edition of the Kenya Universities Sports Federation Women Only Championships being held at Taita Taveta University grounds.

In the absence of defending champions Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, last year’s runners-up Kenyatta University have emerged as early favourites to dominate the tournament, which kicked off Thursday and runs until Sunday in celebration of International Women’s Day.

Despite enjoying strong home support, hosts Taita Taveta University struggled to break through KCA’s solid defence and eventually fell 3–0 at the final whistle.

Mndala wasted no time stamping her authority on the match, opening the scoring just two minutes after kick-off to give the Central Nairobi Conference side an early lead.

She doubled KCA’s advantage in the 14th minute, sending her team into the break with a comfortable 2–0 cushion.

The striker returned after the restart to complete her hat-trick in the 39th minute, sealing an emphatic victory in KCA’s opening fixture.

KCA head coach Anthony Onyango described the result as a historic moment for the institution.

“We played against the hosts and it was a tough match, but we managed to win. This is the first time we have won an opening match in such tournaments. The victory has boosted our energy and confidence heading into the remaining matches,” said Onyango.

He also praised Mndala’s performance, noting the institution’s commitment to nurturing talent.

“We are here to mentor players and scoring a hat-trick was good for her. We want to ensure we continue scoring in the remaining matches because we have many players of her calibre,” he added.

In another football match, Kenyatta University secured a narrow 1–0 win against Chuka University in a tightly contested encounter.

Just three minutes after kick-off, Opiyo found the back of the net with the goal that ultimately handed KU maximum points.

KU captain Shana Masinde expressed confidence that the team can go all the way and win the title after finishing runners-up last year to MMUST, who are not competing in Taita Taveta as they prepare for the Federation of East Africa University Sports Championships on their home turf.

“We were finalists last year and we have come back determined to win the tournament. We are well prepared. Our coaches have done a great job and the school has provided us with the facilities. The only thing remaining now is to win the trophy,” said Masinde.

In basketball, defending champions Zetech University began their title defence in emphatic fashion, thrashing Kenya Methodist University 60–5.

Zetech, who defeated Africa Nazarene University 46–24 to win last year’s title, are hoping to retain the crown.

Elsewhere, Chuka edged Kenyatta University 24–23, while Machakos University beat Kabarak University 35–31.

Kisii University earned a 20–0 walkover against Technical University of Kenya before defeating KeMU 41–18. KCA also secured a 25–15 victory against Dedan Kimathi University of Technology.

In hockey, last year’s finalists Kenyatta University played to a barren draw against Kisii University, while former champions Maseno University impressed with a 3–1 victory over University of Eldoret.