JKT Queens win CECAFA, secure Champions League spot

KENYA: JKT Queens have once again stamped their authority on the region’s biggest stage, clinching the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers 2025 title at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.

A solitary strike from Winifrida Gerald proved the difference, as the Tanzanian champions edged past Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Club in a tightly contested final to secure the coveted trophy and book their ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League.

This victory marks JKT Queens’ second regional crown, having first lifted the title in 2023. With this latest triumph, they now lead the title count in CECAFA’s history pulling ahead of Simba Queens, Vihiga Queens and CBE FC and affirming their status as a rising powerhouse in women’s football across the continent.

JKT Queens struck early, finding their breakthrough in the 5th minute, a moment sparked by Jamila Rajabu, who spotted the opportunity from the halfway line.

With vision and precision, she launched a sweeping long ball that sailed over Rayon Sports Club’s back line, piercing their defence like a blade through mist. Waiting on the other end was Winifrida Gerald, rising with command just inside the box.

The Rayon goalkeeper Angeline Ndakimana raced off her line in a desperate charge, but Winifrida had already made her move a towering header, guided high and true, lifting the ball beyond reach and into the back of the net.

It was a moment of calm amidst chaos, giving JKT Queens the lead and setting the tone before the half-time whistle.

The rest of the half unfolded as a hard-fought battle, a clash of wills in midfield, where every inch was contested and neither side gave ground lightly.

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Openings were rare, the defensive lines tight and alert. Rayon’s best chance came in the 30th minute, when Josiane Uwihirwe broke free and fired a low effort on goal.

But the Queens’ defensive wall held firm alert, composed, unshaken. Rayon nearly pulled level in the 82nd minute with a late surge, a glimmer of hope but their effort was met by a brilliant stop from JKT Queens’ goalkeeper, Najiath Abasi, who stood firm under pressure and denied the equaliser with sharp reflexes and steel nerves.

As the clock ticked down and the game reached its dying moments, JKT Queens launched one final counter, a swift break that caught Ryon off balance.

The ball found Jamila Rajabu, who brought it under control with poise before lifting a clever chip over the onrushing keeper.

It looked destined to seal the match, but Ryon’s skipper refused to surrender, racing back to hook the ball away from the line, a captain’s clearance, full of heart.

Moments later, the referee’s whistle blew, bringing a breathless contest to a close.