CAFCLQ: Vihiga Queens down AS Kigali to qualify for semis

Bertha Omita’s first-half strike against AS Kigali Women in a match played at the Philip Omondi Stadium was all Vihiga Queens needed to secure passage to the semis of the CECAFA Regional qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

The Kenyan side knew that a win would have not only seen them go top in the group but would also have seen them qualify for the last four and edge a step closer to securing a ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League that will be staged in the Ivory Coast later this year.

After what was largely a balanced first half, Queens got an important goal in the 37th minute through Omita, who was drafted to the starting XI after starting the last game against New Generation on the bench. She received an exquisite pass from midfield and dinked an on-rushing Kigali keeper for her first goal of the tournament. Queens took a narrow lead into the break.

Kigali came out a different side after the interval, pushing Queens to their own half. Nibagwire Gloria and Louise Maniraguha caused the queen's problems, but their defenders and keeper, Ruth Aturo, did their best to thwart their seemingly endless raids.

Towards the end of the match, Queens crept back into the game and protected their lead to bag three precious points.

Queens end the group stage assignments with a match against Tanzania’s JKT Queens, while Kigali will face New Generation of Rwanda.

The win is a big boost for coach Charles Okere, who had earlier made it clear that the goal was to win all their group games.

"Our aim is to win all the group matches, something we can easily achieve if we maintain the momentum. We noted a couple of mistakes from our first game, more so in the goalkeeping and defense departments, but we have rectified that, and we are optimistic enough about doing well in the remaining two games."

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