The battle for Women Premier League (WPL) title heats up with one of the most anticipated league encounters pitting three-time champions Vihiga Queens against title-chasing Gaspo Women plays on Sunday 23 January. Confidence is high for the CECAFA Club champions, the only unbeaten side so far in the league who are looking to dethrone Thika Queens for their fourth league title this season. #FKFWPL Weekend fixtures. Some juicy clashes lined up. Top of the table duel between @Vihigaqueens & @gaspow_fc on Sunday is one to watch. Ulinzi Starlets vs Thika Queens completes Super Sunday. pic.twitter.com/pyLdVGXZsO— Fadhela (@Blacklebo) January 21, 2022 The match is a repeat of the 2020/21 league playoff semi final where Gaspo carried the day to book a ticket to the final against Thika and the hosts will be out to exert revenge. Coach Boniface Nyamunyamu, while admitting that this will be a tough game says the team will ride on the current winning momentum for a positive result. “We have a target on our backs and every team is coming hard at us, not just Gaspo. We have prepared well and are ready for the challenge. We are lucky that all players are up for selection so we have the depth to face a team of Gaspo’s stature,” offered Nyamunyamu. This will be Vihiga’s third match without the services of keeper Lilian Awuor who left the country earlier this week to join to French top tier side ASJ Soyaux-Charente. “Since we knew she was leaving, we have used the other keepers jn the last two matches. Against Kisumu, we used 18-year old Sophie Akinyi, scouted from the national under-20 team and her inexperience showed despite being an excellent goalkeeper as we conceded three goals. In our away trip to Kayole, Diana Tembesi who is more experienced was in action and her performance was excellent. This coming match we have a choice between the two, depending on how they have trained,” added the tactician. The side has a third choice keeper in Wilfreda Seda but according to coach Nyamunyamu, she has not been in training since the team returned from Egypt where they represented CECAFA in the Champions League (CL). The last time she feature for Vihiga is during the playoff semis when Awuor had to go off after being red-carded for handling the ball outside her area. Shikangwa set to join Turkish top tier sideSeda sustained a slight shoulder injury in training as the team prepared for the CECAFA Club Championships qualifiers for the CL. On their part, Gaspo are looking to build on their 3-0 win against Kangemi Ladies in their last outing and extend their winning streak. The Tila Wangui-coached side has lost one match in five in the hands of holders Thika. “We have prepared well. The match will be no walk in the park but the players understand what is expected of them and we will fight for the points,” said Wangui.
