The third edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League Zonal Qualifiers kicks off today in Uganda, with two games in Group A.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (C.B.E) will take on Buja Queens of Burundi in the opening game of the tournament at 1PM, followed by Uganda’s representatives Kampala Queens FC against South Sudan champions Yei Joint Stars at 4PM.
All games will be played at FUFA Technical Centre, Njeru.
Kampala Queens FC will be starting their maiden tournament under new coach Charles Kadidi Ssenyange, who was appointed months back on a two-year contract.
Kampala Queens FC
The team has had enough preparations and have signed eight top players with the target of winning the title.
The Queens of Soccer will rely on Fazila Ikwaput in front of the goal. Ikwaput scored five goals in the first edition while playing for Lady Doves, and her abilities to score goals are not doubtful.
New signing Imanizabayo Florence will also have to impress her coaches if she’s to get playing time since the team has a number of options in upfront areas.
Yei Joint Stars
After the last training yesterday, Kampala Queens FC head coach Ssenyange tasked his girls to work hard and not to underestimate the opponents.
“We have planned how to approach them because they’re very good on the ball. The girls are eager for a showdown because it is their first time, and they’re at home.”
“The international players have added more value to the team. Their experience will help the younger ones to settle in the game.”
C.B.E players
Meanwhile, at 1PM, 2021 finalists Commercial Bank of Ethiopia will battle with Buja Queens in an expected highly anticipated game.
CBE captain and striker Loza Abera will be the player to watch, having scored the most goals in the last two tournaments.
Buja Queens have new signings Vivian Corazone and Asha Jafari who will be playing their third edition.
The Ethiopians are also rated as favorites because of their experience in the tournament. They have played in every edition, losing 2-1 in 2021 in the finals and last year were eliminated in the semifinals.
Buja Queens
They come into this year’s edition with the mission of winning championship and they have to prove it by winning games.
The winner of Zonal Qualifiers will represent East Africa region in the final tournament of CAF Women’s Champions League that will be played between 5th to 19th November, 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Courtesy Photos
