Kenya’s Vihiga Queens storm final

Vihiga Queens FC are through to the final of the CECAFA Qualifier of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League.

The home side beat Tanzania’s Simba Queens FC 2-1 in the first semi final played this afternoon at the Nyayo Stadium.

After a goalless first half, the Vihiga Queens returned determined to score through Maurice Achieng with a fine header. Simba Queens defenders failed to clear their lines giving Achieng chance to nod home and take her goal tally to six in the tournament.

But the Tanzania Premier League champions Simba Queens continued to push forward looking for goals. Substitute Aisha Mnunka made it 1-1 form close range past the Vihiga goalkeeper.

Simba Queens were forced to make two changes in defence because of injuries. The home side continued to push forward and scored the winning goal after 87 minutes with another well headed goal by Jentrix Shikangwa Milimu. It was a well taken free kick by Alice Muderi that Shikangwa capitalized on to make sure she nodded it in the net.

It was all celebration for the home side after the end of the match. Charles Okere Okoth, the Vihiga coach said he was happy with performance of his team. “We get back to prepare for the final,” added Okoth.

Ali Omar Hababuu, the Simba Queens coach said that there was too much pressure on his team and they made several mistakes. “We made many mistakes and got punished,” said the Simba Queens coach who however added that this is a good learning lesson.

The second semi final will see in-form Commercial Bank of Ethiopia face Uganda’s Lady Doves FC. The winning team will qualify to represent the CECAFA region at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Champions League final to be played in Egypt.