JKT Queens reflects on bitter defeat, stresses lessons learned

EGYPT: JKT Queens Head Coach Kessy Juma has admitted that although the 1–4 defeat to TP Mazembe in the CAF Women’s Champions League was a bitter blow, it was a harsh but valuable lesson for his team.

Speaking after the match at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, Juma acknowledged that while his squad fought hard, a series of mistakes and the superior quality of the defending champions ultimately led to their exit from the tournament.

“We made some mistakes that were very costly. We were up against a very strong team, but we also had lapses in concentration at key moments. The defeat was hard to swallow, but we must accept it as a lesson and focus on learning from it,”

Juma said, reflecting on the team’s performance. The match saw JKT Queens take an early lead, with Stumai Athumani firing them ahead in the 12th minute. However, TP Mazembe responded swiftly.

Just 11 minutes later, Marlene Yav Kasaj equalised for the Congolese side from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.

Kasaj then played a crucial role in turning the game on its head, as Nigeria’s Oluwayemis Samuel put Mazembe ahead with a tidy finish in the 29th minute, capitalising on JKT’s defensive lapse.

On the stroke of half-time, Mazembe further extended their lead when Ghanaian Grace Acheampong slotted in a third goal, leaving JKT Queens with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Juma reflected on these key moments: “We were leading early, which gave us hope, but those quick goals we conceded showed how important concentration is at this level. The penalty we gave away was avoidable and the second goal was due to a defensive misjudgement. It was those mistakes that allowed them to take control.”

In the second half, Yav Kasaj completed her brace with another penalty (64’) to seal the win for Mazembe, capping off a commanding 4–1 scoreline.

Despite the scoreline, Juma remained composed, focusing on the lessons that could be drawn from the match.

“It’s painful, but we cannot ignore the lessons. There were key areas we didn’t execute well, particularly in defense and in dealing with physical battles. Mazembe showed us how to be clinical in these situations and we must take that into account moving forward,” Juma said.

Juma also highlighted the physical mismatch between the two teams, with Mazembe’s players showing greater strength, height and aerial dominance.

“We struggled in aerial duels and second balls, which is something we’ll need to address,” he added.

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“Mazembe’s physicality was evident and it’s something we need to work on as we continue developing.”

Despite the disappointment, Juma was adamant that the team would not be disheartened. He emphasised that this experience, though painful, was crucial for the team’s growth on the continental stage.

“We’ll take this as a learning experience and move forward. We will go back home, analyse where we went wrong and focus on improving our weaknesses, especially in terms of physical preparation and tactical awareness. The next time we’re here, we’ll be better,” said Juma, his resolve clear.

The defeat meant that JKT Queens exit the 2025 tournament at the group stage with two points, after drawing with Gaborone United (0–0) and Asec Mimosas (1–1) earlier in the competition.

They finished third in Group B, with Gaborone United in fourth.

TP Mazembe, on the other hand, advanced to the semifinals, finishing second in the group with six points, behind ASEC Mimosas, who topped the group with seven points after defeating Gaborone United 4–0 in the day’s other match.