Diana Cherono Shines as Vihiga Queens Secure FKF Women's Cup Final Berth
Vihiga Queens secured a place in the FKF Women’s Cup final after edging Bungoma Queens 2-1 in a tightly contested semifinal at the Mumias Sports Complex.
Coming into the match, Vihiga Queens had everything to play for, having endured an underwhelming league campaign that saw them finish in fifth place — an uncharacteristic position for a side of their pedigree. With a point to prove, they began the match with purpose and intensity.
Their early efforts bore fruit in the 11th minute. A fluid and well-orchestrated team move culminated in Diana Cherono, later named Tisini’s Queen of the Match, arriving at the right moment to tap the ball
home from close range.
Despite taking the lead, Vihiga Queens struggled to gain a foothold in the game thereafter. Bungoma Queens responded with vigour, dominating possession and applying consistent pressure in search of an equaliser. Their persistence was rewarded in the 30th minute, when a lapse in communication between goalkeeper Sally Kavingukha and her backline presented Caroline Khaemba with a golden opportunity. She made no mistake, calmly finishing to restore parity.
Bungoma continued to push forward, with their attacking trio of Catherine Khaemba, Caroline Khaemba, and Chebungei Ruth proving relentless. Their pace and direct play unsettled the Vihiga defence, keeping them pinned back for large portions of the half. Nonetheless, the score remained 1-1 heading into the break.
Vihiga Queens made tactical adjustments at the start of the second half, introducing Amwata Noel and Kebedi Robai in place of Adhiambo Christine and Nantume Anita. However, the changes did little to shift the momentum, as Bungoma maintained their dominance. Vihiga struggled to string passes together and looked increasingly exposed in transition.
Yet for all their control, Bungoma failed to capitalise on the numerous chances they created. Those missed opportunities would come back to haunt them in the 84th minute. Substitute Amwata seized the moment with a moment of brilliance, lofting the ball from outside the area over Bungoma goalkeeper Ouma Dorine to restore Vihiga’s lead — a lead they held onto until the final whistle.
Queen of the Match -Diana Cherono
Speaking after the match, Diana Cherono emphasised the role of preparation in their victory. “We used data to prepare for this match, and it really paid off,” she said. “We had access to analysis from our previous game against Bungoma Queens in the league. It helped us know where we needed to improve and how to handle their key players.”
Her sentiments were echoed by the Vihiga Queens head coach, who explained, “I always rely on data from previous matches to plan for upcoming ones. It was a crucial part of our strategy, and it made a real difference today.”
With the win, Vihiga Queens advance to the final of the FKF Women’s Cup, where they will face Kibera Soccer Women. Kibera earned their spot in the final after defeating Police Bullets 2-0 in the other semifinal.
Feature Image Credit: Vihiga Queens
