The final of 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers for CECAFA, will be played today at 3PM as Commercial Bank of Ethiopia take on JKT Queens at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
CBE topped group A, winning three games, drawing once and ejected Vihiga Queens 2-1 after extra-time to reach the final while JKT Queens topped group B, winning all three games and incredibly defeated Buja Queens 3-1 in the semifinals to advance to the final.
This will be the second final for CBE who lost 1-0 to Vihiga Queens in 2021 and it is the first ever final for JKT Queens since its their debut in the tournament.
CBE will rely on their captain Loza Abera who has proven to be the big match winner and she’s the only player to score in every game so far and she has also scored a total of 28 goals in the three tournaments.
Aregash Taddese has also shone in this tournament, providing assists in each group game and also scored a winning goal that sent CBE to the final.
The champions of Tanzania, have also been a tough side, with their system of playing three defenders and this has proven how technical the team is.
JKT have won two games coming from behind, meaning they have a winning mentality and it will never be too late for them to accomplish the mission.
Winifrida Gerald who was named the MVP in the recently concluded CECAFA U-18 Women’s championship, has been one of the top performers for JKT and Abdallah Stumai has been the best performer for the Tanzanians.
However, CBE have been knocking the door of champions having played and lost 2021 final and also were ejected in the semifinals last year, and with the experience, they have all the odds to make it this time around.
WHAT THE COACHES SAID
Esther Fredy Chaburuma – JKT Queens coach
“We thank the Almighty to be in the final, we’re playing a very good team but we will stick on our system and try to win the championship.” She Said.
Birhanu Gizaw Heye – CBE coach
“We have played with our hearts to reach this final, we lost the first one in 2021 but that’s past, but we don’t want to lose this one. Of course JKT are in the finals because they’re a very good team but we have a mission and its to win the trophy.” Birhanu stated.
The winner of the championship will represent the CECAFA region in the CAF Women’s Champions League that will be held in Ivory Coast from 5th to 19th November this year.
Meanwhile, Buja Queens and Vihiga Queens will vie for the bronze medal in the early kickoff at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Vihiga Queens won the inaugural tournament in 2021 in Kenya before Simba Queens lifted it in 2022 in Tanzania and today it will be either CBE FC of Ethiopia or JKT Queens of Tanzania.
PRIZE MONEY
Winner- USD. 30000
Runnersup- USD. 20000
Third place- USD. 10000
Courtesy Photos
