Elim White, Shabana Starlets earn promotion as Zone B dominates Women’s NSL playoffs

Elim White Ladies and Shabana Starlets secured promotion to the FKF Women’s Premier League after winning their respective Women’s National Super League playoffs at Afraha Stadium in Nakuru on Sunday, extending Zone B’s recent dominance over Zone A sides.

For Elim White Ladies, it was the perfect finish to a strong season as they beat Gor Mahia Queens 2-0 in the promotion playoff to secure their place in next season’s top flight.

The result continued a clear trend in Kenyan women’s football, with Zone B teams now defeating Zone A opposition in promotion playoffs for the third straight season.

Gor Mahia Queens had arrived in Nakuru hoping to make history by reaching the top tier for the first time. They had finished second in Zone A with 42 points, matching Elim White Ladies, who topped Zone B on the same tally.

Elim White started the match on the front foot, showing more attacking urgency. The former Trans Nzoia Falcon Ladies side created several early chances, forcing Gor Mahia into repeated clearances at the back.

Although Lucky Ochado and Jennifer Mueni tried to drive Gor Mahia forward, they struggled to break down a well-organised Elim White defence.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half when captain Monicah Naswa led a flowing attack that ended with Sylvia Kapera finishing to give Elim White a deserved lead.

Gor Mahia responded through Wendy Owino and Ruth Nabwire, but neither could test the goalkeeper as Elim White went into the break leading 1-0.

After halftime, Gor Mahia pushed for an equaliser, with Mueni and Ochado combining in midfield to increase the tempo. However, Elim White stayed compact and remained dangerous on the counter.

Their pressure paid off shortly after the cooling break when Naswa again provided the assist, setting up Noel Amutata to calmly slot home the second goal and effectively seal promotion.

Amutata later came close to adding another, while Kapera also threatened again, as Elim White comfortably managed the closing stages to secure their FKF Women’s Premier League place.

Later in the day, Shabana Starlets completed a perfect outing for Zone B by defeating Mathare United Women on penalties to be crowned Women’s National Super League champions.

The final brought together the two automatic promotion winners, with Zone A champions Mathare United Women facing Zone B champions Shabana Starlets to determine the overall winners of the second tier.

Despite creating chances, neither side managed to break the deadlock in a tightly contested match.

Mathare enjoyed more possession at times, while Shabana remained solid defensively and dangerous on the counter, but clear-cut chances were limited throughout.

With the game finishing 0-0 after full time, the title was decided by penalties.

Shabana Starlets held their nerve from the spot, converting crucial kicks to win the shootout and lift the National Super League title.

The result completed a dominant day for Zone B football, with both Elim White Ladies and Shabana Starlets earning promotion to the FKF Women’s Premier League, while Shabana added the championship crown to cap off a remarkable season.

For Gor Mahia Queens and Mathare United Women, the defeats ended hopes of silverware and promotion, though both sides can reflect on strong campaigns that kept them among the league’s top performers.

As Elim White Ladies and Shabana Starlets step into the top flight, their success further highlights the rising competitiveness and strength of women’s football in Kenya.