JKT Queens in do-or-die battle against TP Mazembe

EGYPT: JKT Queens face a must-win encounter today as they take on TP Mazembe in their final group-stage match of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Ismailia, Egypt, with victory the only route to securing a place in the semi-finals.

The Tanzanian champions go into the match under pressure after being held to two draws in their opening fixtures: A goalless stalemate with Gaborone United of Botswana and a 1–1 draw against Ivory Coast’s ASEC Mimosas.

Those results leave JKT Queens on two points, behind ASEC Mimosas on four, while Gaborone United sit on one ahead of their meeting with the group leaders.

The mathematics is simple: JKT Queens must take all three points against Mazembe to overhaul the teams above them and keep their tournament hopes alive.

Head Coach Kessy Abdallah said the squad fully understands the magnitude of the occasion and has prepared with total focus.

He insisted that the team has worked hard to correct mistakes from earlier matches, particularly in finishing and maintaining calm in front of goal.

Abdallah said the players are motivated, disciplined and ready to fight for all three points, adding that they are representing not only the club but Tanzania as a country.

Forward player Joyce Lema echoed that sentiment, describing the match as a defining moment for the team. She acknowledged the strength of TP Mazembe, but said JKT Queens are united, determined and prepared to battle until the final whistle.

Lema said the squad’s spirit is at its peak and that every player is focused on pushing the team into the semifinals and making history for Tanzanian women’s football.

As JKT Queens chase the victory they need, ASEC Mimosas will be looking to secure their own position at the top of the group when they meet bottom-placed Gaborone United.