Vihiga United's Dennis Wafula (second from left) leads his teammates to celebrate a goal during their GOtv Shield quarter-final duel against Tusker FC August 20, 2017. [PHOTO/nation.co.ke]
Vihiga United are plotting the downfall of AFC Leopards when the two sides clash in their GOtv semifinals duel at the Afraha Stadium on Sunday.
This is the first time the Vihiga County Government team will be appearing in any final of the Domestic Cup where the winner pockets Sh2 million with the ticket to represent Kenya in the African Confederation Cup.
At the quarters, they stunned KPL defending champions Tusker FC, beating them 2-0 in a match held at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
The team is coached by former Leopards duo of Edward Manoah and Francis Xavier and boasts of a good number of former Ingwe players including veteran midfielder Charles Okwemba, Martin Imbalambala and former Ingwe custodian Barnabas Tiema.
In the NSL, Vihiga have lost only two of the 26 games and currently lead the pack with 58 points.
“Four of my players are injured, and we are now forced to make many changes to the squad. I have no choice but to field some fringe players in such a crucial match and I hope they shall rise to the occasion,” Manoah said.
On his part, Ingwe Team Manager Gilbert Selebwa has said his side will be treating Vihiga as any other senior team, warning his players of laxity.
“We can’t afford to underrate them. They may be in the lower tier but look at the players they have. Watch how they played against Tusker. They are a good side and we will be very cautious so that we beat them at their game,” Ingwe team manager Gilbert Selebwa said.