CAF WOMEN’S CL CECAFA QUALIFIER: Simba Queens miss out on third place

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA: THE national envoys, Simba Queens, fell short of securing third place in the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifier.

They suffered a 2-0 defeat to Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies at Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia yesterday.

As a result of the defeat, Simba Queens finished fourth in the tournament, while Kawempe Muslim Ladies claimed the third spot.

This marked Simba Queens’ third appearance in the qualifiers, having previously participated in 2021 and 2022.

Their most notable achievement came in 2022 when they won the title and secured a place in the Champions League.

With Simba Queens finishing in fourth place, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) FC emerged as the champions of the qualifier, clinching the title with a 1-0 victory over Kenya Police Bullets at the same venue.

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The match for third place saw Kawempe Muslim Ladies take an early lead, with striker Sumaya Nabuto scoring in the 19th minute.

Despite Simba Queens’ efforts to equalise and breach Kawempe’s solid defence, they were unable to score.

The situation for Simba Queens worsened when Angen Nakukenya doubled Kawempe’s lead with a goal in the 50th minute.

Despite their attempts to mount a comeback, Simba Queens could not change the outcome.

Simba Queens’ path to the final was obstructed by a narrow 3-2 defeat to Kenya Police Bullets in the semifinals.

In contrast, Kawempe advanced to the final despite a 2-1 loss to CBE Women FC in their semi-final match.

In the final CBE FC emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Kenya Police Bullets.

Senaf Wakuma scored the decisive goal, securing CBE’s place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Senaf also topped the qualifiers’ scoring chart with six goals.

CBE had a standout tournament, leading their group with nine points and nine goals and advanced to the final after overcoming Kawempe Muslim Ladies in the semi-finals.