Winfrida’s brace secures JKT Queens’ CAF U-17 Girls title

DAR ES SALAAM: JKT Queens were crowned champions of the CAF U-17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) after a thrilling 2-1 victory over TDS Girls in Saturday’s final at the Azam Complex in Dar es Salaam.

The star of the match was Winfrida Gerald, whose two brilliant goals led her side to glory. TDS Girls started the final with intensity and their efforts were rewarded in the first half when they took a 1-0 lead through Winfrida Mathias.

However, the match shifted in the second half as Winfrida Gerald’s brace levelled the score and sealed the victory for her side. In the third-place play-off, Kenya Academy of Sport (KAS) defeated Boni Consilli Girls from Uganda by 2-0.

After the final match CAF’s Head of Women’s Football, Meskerem Tadesse, expressed her enthusiasm for the competition’s future, underscoring the how vital grassroots competition elevate women’s football in Africa.

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“The objective of CECAFA competitions is to create a platform for U-17 women’s football,” said Tadesse.

“This tournament has been a key step forward, and we anticipate more developmental programs like this in the future.”

Tadesse also announced plans to expand the competition across Africa, ensuring more young girls have the opportunity to shine on the football stage.

“CAF aims to host U-17 women’s competitions in every zone across Africa, creating more opportunities for girls to play football and for clubs and players to showcase their talents,” she added.