Yei Joint Stars WFC have made history by becoming the first team to secure a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
The South Sudanese champions secured their historic passage after holding hosts Rayon Sports WFC to a 1-1 draw at Kigali Pele Stadium on Tuesday, a result that guaranteed them top spot in Group A.
Rayon Sports entered the contest needing victory to leapfrog Yei Joint Stars at the summit, but the visitors showed remarkable resilience to secure the point that sent them into the knockout phase for the first time in their six appearances at the regional qualifiers.
The first half ended goalless, despite both sides creating promising opportunities. Rayon finally broke the deadlock 12 minutes after the restart when Jeanette Ukwinkunda calmly finished to put the home side ahead in the 57th minute.
Yei Joint Stars responded strongly and found their equaliser in the 79th minute through substitute Moureen Nankinga, who restored parity and put her side within touching distance of a historic qualification.
Rayon pressed relentlessly in the closing stages, throwing numbers forward in search of the winner, but Yei Joint Stars remained disciplined at the back to withstand the pressure and preserve the decisive draw.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the South Sudanese contingent, with head coach Sony Harriet hailing the achievement as a landmark moment for the club.
“I am very happy because we have made history and qualified for the semi-finals for the first time,” Harriet said after the match.
Elsewhere in Group A, Mafunzo Women SC produced one of the tournament’s most emphatic performances, dismantling Eritrea’s Denden FC 9-0 at the FERWAFA Technical Centre.
Jackline Kulusanga was the star of the show, scoring four times, while Cynthia Shilwatso added a brace.
Leunina Ngonapipi, Judicael Ouoaba and Mounifatou Helbi completed the rout as Mafunzo registered the second-biggest victory of the qualifiers so far.
The group stage concludes on Wednesday, with the remaining semi-final places still up for grabs.
In Group B, Djibouti’s FC Ujeco will face Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies, while Group C leaders Kenya Police Bullets will meet Burundi’s Top Girls Academy.
