Commercial Bank of Ethiopia beat Yei Joint Stars to storm semis

Commercial Bank of Ethiopia WFC are the first teams to qualify for the semi-final stage at the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League – CECAFA qualifiers 2024.

After winning their opening match 3-2 against Rayon Sports WFC, the Ethiopian champions humbled Yei Joint Stars 4-0 in their second Group B match played at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa on Tuesday afternoon.

Senaf Wakuma Zenaf gave the home side the lead after 35 seconds when she beat the Yei Joint Stars goalkeeper Nawal Isaac Henry Majok from close range.

The South Sudan side tried to settle down and close the gaps, but their goalkeeper later fouled Zenaf in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Aregash Kalsa Tadesse made no mistake converting the penalty.

As the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia continued to press Zenaf netted her second goal after 21 minutes. The South Sudan team failed to contain the home side as they passed the ball with ease around the pitch. Tarikwa Kukura made it 4-0 for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia after 37 minutes as the the match went to recess.

After the interval the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia coach Birhanu Gizaw Heye made several changes, nut his teams failed to find more goals. Mary Dawa Marko, the Yei Joint Stars skipper had a shot that missed the target later in the game.

The win sends Commercial Bank of Ethiopia to six points and straight to the semi-final match before they play their last Group A match against Kenya Police Bullets WFC.

Birhanu Gizaw Heye, the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia coach said he was happy with the win and qualification for the knock out stage. “We are happy, but shall not relax because we have more matches to come,” added the coach.

The assistant coach of Yei Joint Stars Sony Harriet said they played against a very experienced team. “Although we lost my young team has learnt lessons from playing against such a well experienced team,” added Sony Harriet.

In the second Group B match Kenya Police Bullets defeated Rayon Sports WFC from Rwanda 1-0. Purity Anyetu netted the lone goal after 6 minutes.