Vihiga Queens confident that lightening will not strike twice as they meet Ethiopia’s CBE
Kenyan envoys Vihiga Quuens have destiny in their hands as they face Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the final of the CAF Women Champions League CECAFA qualifying final at Nyayo National Stadium today.
At stake for the winner is participation in the inaugural Women Champions League in Egypt later this month.
And its pay-back time as Vihiga Queens will be angling to inflict revenge on CBA who beat them 4-2 in the opening match of the competition.
Yesterday during a press briefing ahead of the final, Vihiga coach Boniface Nyamu urged his players to stand up to be counted against a team that left them with deflated egos on home soil.
“There are no two ways about it. We have to win it and make our maiden appearance in a big Africa event. CBA is a good team but they should rest assured that we shall give them pound for pound in our quest of qualifying,” said Nyamu. In contrast, Nyamu’s counterpart Birhegnu Gizaw was cautious ahead of the match.
“If we lose we shall accept the result and take it as a learning experience, but I believe I have a brigade that shall make me proud,” said the Amharic speaking Gizaw through an interpreter.
Gizaw’s remarks might appear mendacious considering that CBA boast of the top scorer on Loza Geinore and equally lethal strike partner Medina Awol Busser who Vihiga will be required to give tight marking lest they cause havoc.
Vihiga Queens made it to the finals after edging out hard-fighting Simba Queens of Tanzania 2-1 in the first semifinal, while CBE FC laboured hard to beat Lady Doves from Uganda 5-3 on post-match penalties in the second semifinal, after a one-all draw at full time and in extra time.
Before the final, another mouthwatering clash will precede the final between Simba Queens and Lady Doves in the 3rd/fourth place playoff.
Trophies and cash prizes are also on offer, where the winner will take home Sh3 million, runner’s up, Sh2 million, third place winner, Sh1 million as well as individual awards for the Best Keeper of the Tournament, Golden Boot winner, Most Valuable Player, Most Disciplined Team, among others.
