Vihiga Queens, the representatives of Kenya in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers, are shifting their focus towards the semi-finals after encountering their first defeat at the hands of Jeshi La Kujenga Taifa (JKT) Queens in Kampala on Saturday.
The four-time champions of the Kenya Women’s Premier League had an impressive tournament run, securing victories in their initial two group matches.
However, their momentum was disrupted by a 1-0 loss to JKT Queens in their last group game, during which they were reduced to ten players. Despite the setback, Charles Okere’s team has secured a spot in the semi-finals, which are scheduled for August 27.
Okere expressed confidence in his team’s capabilities and remains positive about their performance in the upcoming match, even though their semi-final opponents are yet to be determined. “I’m pleased with our approach in the tournament so far.
My players have shown determination, and I believe they will excel in the semi-finals. Our previous match saw us receive our first red card of the tournament, which affected our morale against JKT. Nevertheless, we will bounce back stronger in the semis, and I encourage my team to stay focused,” Okere stated.
Finishing at the top of group B with a flawless record, JKT secured 9 points, while Vihiga secured the second position in the group with 6 points.
Vihiga Queens will now confront the first runners-up from group A, whose final group matches are slated for the upcoming week. This marks Vihiga’s second entry into the semi-finals of this competition, the previous instance being in 2021, where they clinched the inaugural championship title.
They are currently striving for their second qualification to the Women’s CAF Champions League after participating in the inaugural edition held in Egypt in 2021.
Should Vihiga Queen triumph in the finals and emerge as champions, they will represent the CECAFA region in the ultimate tournament scheduled later this year in Ivory Coast.
