It was pomp and colour at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani as the inaugural Confederation of African Football (CAF) Women’s Champions League Qualifiers for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA) Region came to an end on Thursday, 9th September 2021.
Kenya’s representatives, Vihiga Queens Football Club (VQFC) emerged champions after beating the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) 2-1 at the tournament finals in a match that was considered as a revenge mission after the Ethiopian side won 4-2 in a preliminary round tie against the Queens.
As a result, Vihiga Queens FC will now represent the CECAFA Region at the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions League to be held in Egypt between November and December 2021.
Jentrix Shikangwa gave a scintillating performance by scoring both VQFC goals in the final to secure the Queens ticket to CAF Women’s Champions League Tournament.
The twenty year old opened the scores at the 27th minute before CBE equalised in the middle of second half through an own goal resulting from a free kick.
With only three minutes into the added time, Violet Wanyonyi dribbled into the Ethiopian side and was brought down by Tarikwa Yakura, a move that saw the referee pointing to the spot. Shikangwa rose to the occasion and did not disappoint after she slotted the ball into the net with her left foot thus granting Vihiga the victory.
The triumph sparked celebrations at the Kasarani Stadium with Vihiga County Governor Dr. Wilber Otichillo disparaging the heavy rains to join the players in celebrating.
With a final tally of eight goals, Jentrix was awarded the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the competition in a ceremony presided over by FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura and Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Nick Mwendwa.