The Kenyan girls, winners of the tournament’s inaugural edition in 2021, opened their campaign with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over Zanzibar’s New Generation and victory against Kigali will hoist them top of Group B with a match to spare.

The top two sides in each of the two groups sail into the semi-finals direct.

Vihiga’s coach Charles Okere who led them to the title in 2021 says he is looking forward to guiding the side into another victory, but concedes it will not be easy.

“We have seen them (Kigali) play and they are a very strong and resilient side. They have sharp forwards and we should work well to contain them defensively. It will not be an easy match,” Okere said ahead of the duel.

He believes winning the title this year, after missing their title defense last year due to Kenya’s suspension by FIFA, will be even tougher, but reckons his girls are up to the task.

“Each game for us in the tournament is a final. The level of competition has really increased this year and each team has come to challenge for the Cup. There is no easy match,” okere opined.

Kenya-powered Buja Queens pick important victory

Meanwhile, Buja Queens of Burundi, nicknamed ‘Harambee Starlets B’ due to the huge number of Kenyan players in the contingent, raised their last four hopes with a well worked 2-1 victory over home girls Kampala City Queens.

Striker Topister Situma, who played for Vihiga in 2021, scored a brace for the Burundians to earn them the victory.

Among other Harambee Starlets players in the squad include Vivian Corazone Aquino, who was last season’s Most Valuable Player featuring for champions Simba Queens, goalkeeper Monica Karambu as well as forward Elizabeth Wambui.