Vihiga Queens will not tinker with their starting lineup against Simba Queens in the CAF Champions League Cecafa qualifiers semifinal clash on Monday at Nyayo Stadium, coach Boniface Nyamunyamu has said.
Vihiga intend to build rhythm by naming an unchanged squad that started against both Zanzibar's New Generation and Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan. Both matches yielded 19 goals with the Kenyan representatives conceding none.
"We would like to build momentum and there's no need to change a winning team. We trust all the players but this is a semifinal match which I believe we desperately need to win to play at home in the final on Thursday" said Nyamunyamu.
Attacking trio of Tereza Engesha, Jentrix Shikangwa and Violet Wanyonyi have 11 goals between them with Shikangwa fresh from claiming a hat trick against Zanzibar's New Generation.
Creative lynchpin Maureen Achieng — the highest-scoring midfielder in the tournament with seven goals — remains Vihiga's unsung hero. Mercyline Anyango and Joan Nabirye complete the midfield.
Captain Enez Mango slots at left-back while marauding right-back Alice Muderi and first choice shot-stopper Lilian Awuor will claim their slots.
Phoeby Owiti and Vivian Makokha will be tasked with keeping Simba's attack at bay. The central defensive pair have been rock solid.
However, Vihiga should be worried of Simba's attack with Mawete Musolo and Tukumbuke Sanga proving a handful to defenders. The pair are on a scoring spree.
"Simba will play cautiously against Vihiga now that weaker teams have exited the competition. I expect a few goals in this match because the difference will be the small details," Nyamunyamu added.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia CBE face a stern test against Uganda's Lady Doves. CBE bagged maximum points in pool matches while the Doves dropped only two following their goalless draw with Simba.
Lady Doves have conceded just once, the best defensive record in the tournament.
The winner of the competition will not only book the sole slot reserved for the region at the continental showpiece but also takes home Sh3 million. First runner up will pocket Sh2 million with the bronze medallists pocketing Sh1 million.
