Queens from JKT Secure CECAFA Berth as Kenya Police Bullets End Up Third in Tournament
KJT Queens Secure Champions League Spot
Tanzania's Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (KJT) Queens have qualified for the Champions League 2024 in Egypt, following a hard-fought victory in the CECAFA Zone Qualifiers.
In the final match of the qualifiers, KJT Queens secured a narrow 1-0 win over Rayon Sports FC, with Winfrida Gerald scoring the decisive goal in the fifth minute. Gerald beat two defenders and slotted the ball behind keeper Angeline Ndakimana to give KJT Queens an early lead.
Rayon Sports put up a spirited fight in pursuit of an equalizer, but KJT Queens thwarted every effort they made and protected their lead to secure the win. The KJT backline, consisting of Lydia Kabambo, Sara Joel, Ester Marwa, and Christer Bahera, ensured goalkeeper Najiati Idrisa was not under serious threat from Rayon Sports attackers.
KJT Queens had a clear strategy in the match: score an early goal, take the lead, and defend well while pushing for more goals. This strategy paid off, as they managed to hold on to their lead and secure the region's lone ticket to the continental championship.
The road to the final was not easy for KJT Queens. They had to eliminate the Kenyan champions, Kenya Police Bullets FC, in the semifinals. The semifinal match ended in a 1-1 draw after extra time, but KJT Queens emerged victorious in the subsequent penalty shootout.
Kenya Police Bullets FC must retain their FKF Women's Premier to qualify for the regional qualifiers for the Champions League. The CECAFA Zone Qualifiers saw some unexpected results, with CBE being eliminated from the tournament this year, finishing at the bottom of Group B with one point.
Tanzania's KJT Queens will represent CECAFA Zone at the Champions League in November in Egypt. The team will be looking to make a strong impression in their second appearance at the continental championship.
