The FKF Women’s Cup final at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru delivered a fittingly intense and technical contest, with Kibera Soccer Women emerging 1-0 winners over Vihiga Queens.Follow our WhatsApp channel for more newsThis narrow victory crowned Kibera as champions of the domestic cup and was the culmination of a highly disciplined and tactically intelligent approach that exploited Vihiga’s aggressive defensive line and reliance on direct service to their prolific forwards.Both teams entered the final with a strong pedigree in the competition. Vihiga Queens had edged Bungoma Queens 2-1 in their semifinal, while Kibera had comfortably dispatched Police Bullets 2-0.Michael Olunga provides update on his club’s stadium construction [VIDEO]The final itself, however, was a far tighter tactical duel defined by small margins and a decisive last-minute goal.Kibera Soccer Women’s Fluid 4-2-3-1 StructureKibera lined up in a 4-2-3-1 base formation but displayed significant in-possession fluidity, especially in the attacking third. This shape gave them defensive stability while allowing them to exploit attacking width aggressively.The front three were particularly dynamic. Faith Mboya, Lillian Mboga, and Ann Arusi rotated positions intelligently throughout the game, dragging Vihiga’s defensive block out of shape and forcing constant re-adjustments from their markers.##NAJAVA_MECA_8996625##This rotation not only created overloads on the wings but also opened central channels that Kibera sought to exploit with clever passing combinations.Faith Mboya was central to Kibera’s approach. Technically gifted in 1v1 situations, she used her pace and close control to beat defenders on the dribble, either driving inside to shoot or cutting wide to deliver accurate crosses.Her ability to repeatedly attempt and execute these actions under pressure highlighted both her technical quality and mental resilience, a key reason she was named the tournament’s MVP.Kibera Soccer crowned FKF Women’s Cup championsOverlapping Fullbacks with Defensive BalanceKibera’s fullbacks, Janet Mumo and Fanis Kwamboka, executed a balanced and highly disciplined overlapping strategy.Rather than both pushing high simultaneously, they alternated their overlaps. When one fullback surged forward, the other stayed deeper, forming a back three with the two centre-backs.This strategic rest defence was critical in nullifying Vihiga’s threat on transition. Vihiga played with a 4-4-2 shape, leaving forwards Diana Cherono and Swaum Masungo high to threaten counters.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997002##By ensuring a defensive line of three during their own attacking phases, Kibera consistently maintained a 3v2 advantage against Vihiga’s forwards, cutting out direct counter-attacking options before they became dangerous.This aspect of Kibera’s play was an excellent example of modern transitional defence. Rather than merely tracking back reactively, they anticipated Vihiga’s strategy and proactively built a structure to absorb and neutralise it.Exploiting Vihiga’s High Defensive LineOne of the defining tactical battles of the game was Kibera’s repeated efforts to exploit Vihiga’s high defensive line. Throughout the match, Kibera sought to play direct passes in behind the backline for their quick forwards to chase.Tusker’s season in retrospect: Breakout striker, flickering hopes and self-inflicted woundsWhile Vihiga’s high line was often effective in catching Kibera’s runners offside—a testament to their defensive organisation and communication—it was a calculated risk that eventually cost them dearly. The game-winning goal in the 90th minute was a textbook execution of this approach.Substitute Yvonne Idagiza, showing excellent vision and timing, played a precise through ball that released Faith Mboya in stride.On this occasion, Mboya timed her run perfectly to evade the offside trap, using her pace to carry the ball forward before delivering a well-weighted cross to the far post.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997001##Stellah Odhiambo arrived at exactly the right moment to finish, sealing the cup with a move that had been rehearsed and attempted multiple times during the game.Midfield Structure and First-Phase Build-UpMedina Abuobakar was pivotal in linking Kibera’s phases of play. Operating primarily as a deep-lying playmaker, she was the preferred exit during the first phase of build-up.Comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and technically secure in tight spaces, Medina enabled Kibera to progress the ball through Vihiga’s first pressing line, maintaining possession and setting the tempo.Angry Gor Mahia fans demand Zico’s sacking after Mozzart Bet Cup defeatHer calm distribution allowed Kibera to switch the point of attack and draw Vihiga’s midfield out of position, a key enabler for the rotations of Mboya, Mboga, and Arusi further up the pitch.Defensive Organisation Out of PossessionOut of possession, Kibera dropped into a compact 4-4-2 defensive shape. This structure was designed to stifle Vihiga’s central build-up by denying service to their creative midfielders and, crucially, to Diana Cherono, the FKF Women’s Cup top scorer.By maintaining close distances between the lines, Kibera forced Vihiga into wide areas or long balls over the top, where Kibera’s defensive line could reset and absorb pressure.##NAJAVA_MECA_8996623##Cherono was effectively starved of quality service, spending most of the match feeding on scraps and unable to consistently threaten in dangerous areas.This disciplined defensive approach demonstrated tactical maturity. Rather than pressing recklessly or committing too many players forward, Kibera prioritised control of space and disciplined marking responsibilities, particularly in the central channels.Tactical PatienceThe match itself was cagey and tense for long periods, with both sides aware of the stakes. Kibera showed patience and commitment to their plan, repeatedly attempting to exploit the high line even when earlier runs were caught offside.Gor Mahia intensify pursuit for Harambee Stars goalkeeperThis perseverance was a testament to both the coaching staff’s clarity of plan and the players’ mental strength.Their commitment paid off spectacularly in the dying moments. Rather than abandoning the approach after initial failures, they refined their timing and execution until it delivered the decisive goal.Kibera Soccer Women’s 1-0 victory over Vihiga Queens was a masterclass in exploiting small margins with disciplined structure and targeted attacking strategy.##NAJAVA_MECA_8997720##Their use of a fluid 4-2-3-1 with intelligent rotations, disciplined overlapping fullbacks, and a rest defence that neutralised Vihiga’s counter-threat showed a high level of tactical preparation.Faith Mboya’s standout performance, capped by her involvement in the winning goal and tireless attacking intent, rightly earned her MVP honours.The final was a showcase of modern tactical principles in women’s football, underlining the growing technical and strategic sophistication of the domestic game in Kenya.
