JKT Queens sail into final
KENYA: JKT Queens have booked their place in the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, edging past Kenya Police Bullets 4-2 on penalties at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi yesterday.
The closely contested semi-final ended 1-1 in regular time. The Tanzanian side will now face Rayon Sports Women FC in the final, scheduled for tomorrow at the same venue, following Rayon’s 4-3 shootout win over Kampala Queens earlier in the day, after a goalless draw in regulation time.
The third-place playoff will precede the final. Both semi-finals were decided by penalty shootouts after draws in regular time, adding drama to an already tense day of football.
In the second semi- final, Kenya Police Bullets were the first to strike. They took the lead in the 16th minute through Margret Kunihira, who converted a penalty after JKT defender Ester Maseke was judged to have committed a foul in the box.
The opportunity arose from sustained pressure by the Kenyan side, following a misjudged clearance by JKT goalkeeper Najiath Abasi that led to a defensive error.
Galvanised by the opener, Kenya Police Bullets dominated possession for much of the first half, pushing JKT Queens deep into their own half and forcing multiple fouls.
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However, JKT Queens responded with determination. Their persistence paid off in the 38th minute when Jamila Rajabu equalised with a well-timed header.
The goal followed a set piece from Donisia Minja, which was poorly cleared by the Kenyan defence and fell kindly for Jamila, who made no mistake in levelling the score before half-time.
With no further goals in the second half, the match went to penalties. JKT Queens held their nerve, converting spot kicks through Winifrida Gerald, Alia Salum, Donisia Minja and Christer Bahera. Kenya Police Bullets managed successful penalties from Mary Nthambi and Elizabeth Ochaka, but missed efforts from Emily Moranga and Leah Andiema ultimately proved costly.
JKT Queens will now prepare to take on Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women FC in the final, with both sides vying for a coveted spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
