Yei Joint Stars hold Rayon Sports WFC, advance to semis

Yei Joint Stars WFC have become the first team to qualify for the semi-final stage at the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.

The South Sudan giants battled from a goal down to hold home side Rayon Sports WFC 1-1 in a match played at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday.

Going into the match Rayon Sport needed to win the match inorder to top the group, but the draw meant that Yei Joint Stars WFC wrote their own history making it to the knock out stage for the first time in six attempts.

After a goalless first half with several missed scoring chances  Jeanette Ukwinkunda put the home side Rayon Sporst WFC ahead after 57 minutes with a composed finish.

But substitute Moureen Nankinga leveled matter for Yei Joint Stars WFC after 79 minutes. The home side continued to attack in numbers, but the Yei Joint Stars WFC defended well to earn the vital draw.

Sony Harriet, the Yei Joint Stars WFC coach was all smiles after the final whistle. “I am very happy because we have made history and qualified for the semi finals for the first time,” said the happy coach after the match.

In the second Group A match played at the FERWAFA Technical Center ground Mafunzo Women SC humbled Eritrea’s Denden FC 9-0 in the second biggest score registered in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers.

Jackline Kulusanga netted four goals, while Cynthia Shilwatso picked a brace. Leunina Ngonapipi, Judicael Ouoaba and Mounifatou Helbi also got their names on the score sheet

The group stage matches will climax on Wednesday with FC Ujeco (Djibouti) facing Kawempe Muslim Ladies in a Group B in the first match, while Burundi’s Top Girls Academy take on Kenya Police Bullets in a Group C match.

Group A

                           P   W   D   L    GF   GA GD  Pts

Yei Joint Stars  3    2    1    0    5     1     4     7

Rayon Women 3   1    2    0    4     1     3     5

Mafunzo           3    1    1    1    9    1    -8     4

Denden             3    0    0    3    0   15  -15    0

Group B

                           P   W   D    L   GF   GA GD  Pts

CBE                    2    1    0    1   11    1    10   3

Kawempe         1    1    0    0    1     0    1     3

FC Ujeco           1    0    0    1    0    11  -11   0

Group C

                           P   W   D   L    GF   GA GD  Pts

Simba Queens 2    1    0    1    3     2     1     3

Kenya Police    1    1    0    0    2     1     1     3

Top Girls           1    0    0   1    0     2    -2     0