Everyone at the 2023 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers has now played once. We’ve been given a taste of what the tournament will be like.
While it’s always a bit premature to make sweeping judgements after just one round of games, let’s go ahead and do that now.
Here are eight talking points from the match day one.
1. Fazira Ikwaput Scores Hat-Trick on Debut for Kampala Queens FC
Fazira Ikwaput made an instant impact on her debut for Kampala Queens FC, scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Yei Joint Stars.
The Uganda international has now scored 8 goals in two tournaments, having netted 5 goals in 2021 Zonal Qualifiers with Lady Doves.
2. JKT Queens Prove Too Tactical for AS Kigali
JKT Queens of Tanzania got their maiden CECAFA Women’s Champions League campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over AS Kigali.
The champions of Tanzania were too tactical for their Rwandan opponents, netting well-built goals.
3. C.B.E Waste Chances in Win Over Buja Queens
Ethiopian champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia won their opening game 2-1 against Buja Queens, but they were wasteful in front of goal.
C.B.E
Wakuma Demise, Aregash Kalsha Tadesse and Loza Abera all missed chances, and the team will need to improve their finishing if they want to progress in the tournament.
4. Buja Queens Need Asha Jafari and Vivian Corazone to Avoid Early Elimination
Buja Queens lost their opening game 1-2 to Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, and they will need Asha Jafari and Vivian Corazone to be at their best if they want to avoid early elimination.
The two experienced players were not cleared to play in the first game, but they are expected to be available for selection on Tuesday against Kampala Queens FC.
5. Elizabeth Nakigozi Proves Doubters Wrong
Elizabeth Nakigozi put in a superb performance for Kampala Queens FC, assisting Fazila Ikwaput’s second goal and creating several other chances.
The midfielder will be hoping to continue her good form in the coming games.
6. New Generation Show Improvement But Still Need to Strengthen
New Generation of Zanzibar showed some improvement in their 1-3 loss to Vihiga Queens, but they still need to produce more if they want to be competitive in this tournament.
The champions of Zanzibar have been points donors in the previous two tournaments, and they will need to start winning games if they want to progress this year.
7. Aturo Settles in but Vihiga Queens Need to Organize Defense
Crested Cranes captain and Vihiga Queens goalkeeper Ruth Aturo made her debut in the tournament with a 3-1 win over New Generation.
However, the team’s defense looked out of position at times, and they will need to improve their organization if they want to go far in this tournament.
8. Fans Behind Kampala Queens FC
Most fans opted to watch games at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru on matchday one, which is a clear indication that they are behind hosts Kampala Queens FC.
The team will be hoping to use the support of their fans to win the championship in their maiden appearance.
Fixtures for Tuesday, August 15th
- Kampala Queens vs Buja Queens – 1PM
- C.B.E FC vs FAD FC – 4PM
Fixtures for Wednesday, August 16th
- JKT Queens vs New Generation – 1PM
- AS Kigali vs Vihiga Queens – 4PM
Courtesy Photos
