Semi final stage set for CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers
The semi-final stage is finally set at the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
After several days of action South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars WFC have broken the jinx by making it to the knockout stage for the first time in their sixth attempt.
Coach Sony Harriet’s team topped Group A after stopping Denden FC (Eritrea) 3-0, defeated Mafunzo Women WFC (Zanzibar) 1-0 and held home side Rayon Sports WFC 1-1.
“This is great for us to make it to the semi-finals after we have always failed at the group stage for the last five years,” said Coach Sony Harriet.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies who finished third in 2024 edition also came out top of Group B after picking maximum points from two matches played.
They brushed aside the 2024 winners Commercial Bank of Ethiopia 1-0 and saw off Djibouti’s FC Ujeco 8-0 in a match played at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Wednesday.
Shakira Nyinagahirwa, the Kawempe Muslim Ladies captain, made it clear that they are determined to get to the final and win the title.
“We finished third in 2024 and this time we are determined to win the Cup,” added the captain whose team will face Commercial bank of Ethiopia in one of the semi-final matches on Saturday.
Kenya Police Bullets FC who finished second in 2024 also made it two out of two in Group C after stopping former champions Simba Queens (Tanzania) 2-1, and finished it off with a 3-1 victory against Burundi’s Top Girls Academy on Wednesday.
David Bujego Rangon, the Kenya Police Bullets head coach has made it clear that this is their year to win the trophy and qualify to represent the Zone.
“We have tried and failed to win the trophy, but this time we are determined and prepared to go all the way and win the title,” added the coach whose side will face Yei Joint Stars at the semi-finals.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the 2024 winners also advanced as the second best placed team among all the three groups. They defeated FC Ujeco (Djibouti) 11-0, but lost to Kawempe Muslim Ladies in their second match.
They advanced as the second baset placed team from all the groups with 3 points and a better goal difference than Simba Queens.
Action continues on Saturday with Kawempe Muslim Ladies facing Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in the first semi final match, while Yei Joint Stars WFC take on Kenya Police Bullets in the second match.