Thika Queens rally to hold visiting Egypt to 1-1 draw

The visiting Egyptian Women’s National team were held to 1-1 draw by 2015 Football Kenya Federation Women’s Premier League Champions, Thika Queens, in an entertaining friendly match staged at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Wednesday.

A goalkeeping howler from Maurice Shimuli allowed the Egyptians to take a sixth minute lead but Lucy Mkwana restored parity just 10 minutes later.

A nicely weighted free-kick from Egypt’s Sara Essam flew just above the heads of the Kenyan defenders and with Suzanne Arafa attacking it, Shimuli punched it back into play and the onrushing Caroline Kiget prodded into her own net.

Overwhelmed by the guilt of failing to stop the tame effort a visibly distraught Shimuli was later withdrawn in the second half with Monica Karambo taking her place in between the sticks.

It was the worst possible start for Queens but they picked themselves up and pressed hard to pull back level.

Kanyi Richard’s side were soon rewarded as a scorching free-kick from Winkit Kaari was too hot for Egypt’s custodian Farah Samir who diverted the powerful effort onto the crossbar but Mkhwana was in the right place to head into an empty net from the rebound.

The Queens thought they had doubled the lead 12 minutes later after Mercy Achieng – twice capped by Harambee Starlets – scored from an outrageous pile-driver but the effort was ruled out for offside.

In the 35th, Queens were awarded an indirect free-kick after Samir had collected a back-pass from Rehab Eld.

It was just over two meters off the goal line but Kaari’s shot failed to clear the Egyptian wall after a neat lay-off from midfielder Lydia Akoth.

Frustrated by the ease in which they lost possession easily the visitors turned the game into a physical affair.

Both teams were inseparable heading into the break but in truth, it was the Egyptians that felt luckier having not conceded a second goal.

At the restart, the visitors who will feature in next month’s Africa Women Cup of Nations struggled to halt the tide.

A fast counter saw Achieng free Mkhwana down the center pitch but Samir was quick off her line to narrow down on the pacey forward who retreated outside the 18-yard box and passed the ball to the onrushing substitute, Catherine Githae, whose scuffed finish was easily saved by the keeper.

Karambo was called to action in the 60th keeping out a fierce shot from Sherouk Sayed and rose quickly to save Habiba Kamel’s rebound with her feet before her skipper Lucy Gladys cleared the danger.

Seven minutes later, Githae was freed down the right flank by Akoth and she did well to beat her marker and found Achieng inside the box with a cutback but the chance when begging when she dallied with the ball allowing the Egypt Eld and Armany Ezzat to pinch the ball off her.