JKT Queens face JKU in qualifier

NAIROBI, KENYA: JKT Queens will kick off their Group C campaign in the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers today, facing off Zanzibar’s JKU at the Ulinzi Complex in Nairobi, Kenya.

Ahead of the match, team captain Anastanzia Katunzi expressed optimism, noting that the squad has undergone intensive training in recent weeks and is mentally prepared for the challenge.

“We have had a solid few weeks of training, and the team spirit is very high,” said Katunzi.

She added, “The technical bench has done its part now it’s up to us as players to deliver on the pitch.”

In their group, JKT Queens and JKU will also compete against South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars FC and Zanzibar’s JKU Princess.

The qualifiers began yesterday, with two opening fixtures.

The CECAFA champions, CBE FC, started on the wrong foot, losing 1-2 to Rayon Sports at Nyayo Stadium, while the host club, Kenya Police Bullets, defeated Kampala Queens 1-0 at the same venue. This year marks the second time Kenya is hosting the tournament, having first done so in 2021.

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Group A features Kenya Police Bullets FC, FC Denden and Kampala Queens FC, while Group B includes defending champions CBE FC from Ethiopia, Top Girls Academy FC and Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women FC.

JKT Queens are the only team from the Tanzania Mainland Women’s League participating in this year’s qualifiers, with Zanzibar represented by JKU Princess.

JKT Queens won the CECAFA title in 2023, while fellow Tanzanian club Simba Queens claimed it in 2022.

Other past winners include Kenya’s Vihiga Queens (2021) and CBE FC (2024).

This is JKT Queens’ second appearance in the qualifiers. Simba Queens have also participated twice.