Jentrix Shikangwa’s brace earns Kenya based team, Vihiga Queens the 2021 CECAFA (East Africa) Zonal Qualifiers title which qualifies the host for the inaugural Total-Energies CAF Women’s Champions League.
The 19-year-old forward converted from Violet Wanyonyi assist, to give the hosts a 1-0 lead against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE FC) at halftime, before Vivian Makokha headed the opponent’s free-kick past her goalkeeper to draw CBE level in the 53rd minute.
Jentrix Shikangwa made no mistake to convert a late minute penalty – in the 95th minute with just two seconds away from the final whistle –after the center referee pointed to the spot for a foul on Violet Wanyonyi who was brought down inside the box.
Video credit: @bonfaceosano twitter
The three-time Kenyan champions are crowned Champions of the CECAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers, winning US$30,000 and a ticket to represent East Africa at the maiden edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Prize money for the top three finishers of the CECAFA Region CAF Women Champions League Qualifiers:-
Winner – $30,0000 – Vihiga Queens
2nd place – $20,000 – CBE FC
3rd place – $10,000 – Lady Dove
Speaking with Mozzart Sport in his post-match interview, Vihiga Queens Assistant Coach Boniface Nyamunyamu was overjoyed after the final whistle and lauded the Vihiga Queens for a job well done.
“I am very happy with the girls, they followed instructions and avenged the earlier loss to CBE. We had to fix the defensive lapses coming to the final and I told the girls to minimize the mistakes at the back and I am happy they did exactly that,” he said.
He also reserved special praise for Jentrix Shikangwa who was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP).
“I trust in Jentrix – she is a brilliant player. The penalty duties were on her and I was confident she would get the job done if we got one. Our focus now shifts to preparing for the CAF Champions League. We want to make a mark.” He concluded.
With the CECAFA Champions crowned, the number of teams that have qualified for the Total-Energies CAF Women’s Champions League is now seven with one more ticket up for grab.
The winner of the two-legged clash between Malabo Kings (Equatorial Guinea) and FC Amani (DR Congo) will represent UNIFFAC (Central Africa) picking the last available ticket for the 2021 Total-Energies CAF Women’s Champions League happening in Egypt, later this year.
Already qualified clubs are:
Rivers Angels (Nigeria)
AS Mandé (Mali)
Hasaacas Ladies FC (Ghana)
Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies FC (South Africa)
ASFAR (Morocco)
Wadi Degla FC (Egypt)
🆕 Vihiga Queens (Kenya)
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