JKT Queens qualify for CAF Women’s Champions League

Tanzania’s goalkeeper Najiat Abass Idrisa turned out with her golden gloves to stop Commercial Bank of Ethiopia as JKT Queens from Tanzania qualified for the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Tanzanians played catch-up to the Ethiopians throughout the final that was played at the FUFA Technical Centre in Njeru, but Idrisa shielded them from the rampant bankers.

CBE’s skipper, Loza Abera, could not believe her eyes as the 26-year-old custodian stopped her three times in a clear one-on-one situation.

The keeper’s heroics forced the game into extra-time and then the shoot-outs after both sides failed to find the back of each other’s net.

Abera opened the penalties with a well-taken kick, with Emebet Esfaw following suit, but Mesay Temesgen fell short as Idrisa guessed right to block her feebly-taken shot.

The Tanzanians made no mistake from the spot, with Ester Mabanza, Donisia Daniel Minja, Winfred Gerald, Anastacia Katunzi and Happyness Mwaipaja winning the lotteries 5-4.

The debutants will represent the region at the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League, to be held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from November 5th to 19th.

In the earlier match, Buja Queens from Burundi edged Kenya’s Vihiga Queens 1-0 through Lydia Akoth’s goal to settle for bronze.

2023 CAF Women’s Champions League – CECAFA zonal qualifier

Final: CBE 0(4)-(5)0 JKT Queens

Third-place Playoff: Buja Queens 1-0 Vihiga Queens