Yei Joint Stars Move Closer to CAF Women’s Champions League Semifinals

By Isaac Denish

South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars FC moved closer to the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers after securing a second consecutive victory in Group A.

Yei Joint Stars defeated Zanzibar’s Mafunzo Women SC 1-0 on Sunday at Kigali Pele Stadium, with Mary Anger Bol scoring the decisive goal in the 69th minute.

The result leaves Yei Joint Stars at the top of Group A with six points after two matches.

After a goalless first half, Yei Joint Stars broke the deadlock in the 69th minute when Bol finished off a well-built attack to beat Mafunzo goalkeeper Chelsea Ngole.

Mafunzo created several opportunities, with Stella Wilbert Kwiligwa and Jackline Kulusanga threatening the South Sudanese defense, but the Zanzibar side could not convert their chances.

Yei Joint Stars opened their campaign with a 3-0 victory over Eritrea’s Denden FC and now have six points from two matches.

Coach Sony Harriet praised her team’s performance after the victory.

“I am happy with the way my team played and got the win,” Harriet said.

In the other Group A match, host club Rayon Sports WFC defeated Denden FC 3-0.

Regine Ihirwa and Jeannette Ukwinkunda scored to give Rayon Sports a 2-0 lead before Mizero Ishimwe added a late third goal.

Yei Joint Stars will face Rayon Sports in their final Group A match. A victory would secure top spot in the group, while the team could also advance as the second-best ranked side depending on results from the other groups.

Action continues Monday with matches from Groups B and C.

Tanzania’s Simba Queens will face Kenya Police Bullets in a Group C match.

In Group B, Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies will take on table leaders Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.

Yei Joint Stars will now face Kenya Police Bullets in the next round.