Bandari Queens FC faced a narrow 2-1 loss to Barcelona SC in Sunday’s early National Super League (NSL) match at Mombasa Sports Club Grounds.
First-half goals from Jane Njeri and Calta Wanjala secured the win for the visitors, while Cynthia Okwado’s strike provided a consolation goal for Bandari Queens.
Bandari Queens goalkeeper Belinda Akinyi was put to the test early in the game, making a double save in the 10th minute against efforts from Wanjala and Njeri to keep her team in the match. However, Barcelona broke through in the 27th minute when Njeri tapped in a loose ball from Naomi Nanjala to open the scoring.
Just a minute later, Bandari’s winger Cynthia Okwado equalized with a powerful 25-yard strike set up by midfielder Tacy Olembo. But Barcelona regained the lead shortly before halftime, with Wanjala unleashing a stunning 30-yard shot past Akinyi to make it 2-1.
In the second half, Bandari Queens pressed for an equalizer, with substitute Irene Namale and Okwado testing Barcelona’s goalkeeper Sonia Ng’ang’a, who held strong to preserve her team’s lead. In stoppage time, Njeri nearly extended Barcelona’s advantage, firing an 18-yard shot that Akinyi saved to force a corner.
After the game, Bandari Queens head coach Janet Amuga praised her team’s performance despite the loss, noting, “We were the better side but didn’t make the most of our chances. It was hard luck today, but we’ll come back stronger.”
Barcelona SC’s coach Emman Gullit was pleased with the hard-fought win, commenting, “It was a tough game, and the weather added to the challenge. Bandari played well, but we managed to hold on and secure a crucial away victory as we build momentum this season.”
