Tanzania Women's Premier League champions Simba Queens have made a strong start to their quest for a place in the CAF Women's Champions League (CAF WCL) after securing a convincing 2-0 victory over Burundi's Top Girls Academy in their opening Group C match, played yesterday evening at Kigali Pelé Stadium in Rwanda.
Simba Queens produced an impressive display, dominating the match from the opening whistle to the final minute.
Star striker Aisha Juma Mnunka opened the scoring for Simba Queens, putting the Tanzanian champions ahead early in the match.
Despite midfielder Asha Djafar missing a penalty early in the first half, the Reds of Msimbazi did not lose hope and continued to put pressure on the Top Girls goal.
New talent and international signing Musakanda Kasamula sealed all three points for the Tanzanian representatives by scoring the second goal, effectively ending the Burundi side's hopes of a comeback.
Speaking after the final whistle, Simba Queens head coach Mussa Mgosi praised his players for following instructions and showing great determination to secure the important victory.
“We came into the match knowing how important the opening game was. Top Girls were good opponents, but my players remained composed and executed our game plan very well. This is a good start, but the job is not finished,” Mgosi said.
The victory puts Simba Queens at the top of Group C, which consists of only three teams. The result leaves the Tanzanian champions in a strong position to reach the semi-finals of the competition being held in Rwanda.
Simba Queens will now turn their attention to their decisive final group match against Kenyan champions Kenya Police Bullets, with the encounter set to determine who finishes top of the group and advances to the semi-finals.
