JKT Queens head coach, Kessy Abdallah, has urged fans to remain patient and optimistic as the Tanzanian champions prepare for a do-or-die encounter against TP Mazembe in the final group-stage match of the CAF Women’s Champions League in Ismailia, Egypt.
The call for calm comes after JKT Queens were held to their second consecutive draw a 1–1 stalemate against ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
Speaking after the match, Coach Abdallah expressed confidence that the team can turn things around, emphasizing that the technical bench has mapped out a strategic plan to ensure a strong finish.
“Our biggest challenge has been converting chances into goals. We are creating many opportunities, but we are not finishing them well,” said Abdallah.
“We will go back, review our mistakes, and improve our attacking efficiency. I believe the players have what it takes to deliver when it matters most.”he added
Despite the draws, Abdallah remains upbeat that JKT Queens can still progress to the semi-finals and continue their quest for continental glory.
“Our goal has not changed. We came here to compete and to win. We respect our opponents, but we also trust in our preparation and fighting spirit,” he added.
So far, JKT Queens have collected two points after a goalless opener against Gaborone United of Botswana and a 1–1 draw against ASEC Mimosas.
They now need an outright win against TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo to keep their championship dreams alive.
Group B remains wide open, featuring ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast), Gaborone United (Botswana), TP Mazembe (DR Congo), and JKT Queens (Tanzania). All four teams still have a mathematical chance to qualify for the semi-finals, depending on the outcomes of the final matches.
ASEC Mimosas currently top the group with four points, followed by TP Mazembe with three, JKT Queens with two, and Gaborone United with one.
If JKT Queens defeat TP Mazembe, they will reach five points enough to advance alongside ASEC Mimosas, who could retain their lead if they win their final match against Gaborone United. However, any other result could spell the end of JKT Queens’ campaign.
Both decisive fixtures will be played simultaneously on November 15 at 12:00 p.m. local time in Egypt (1:00 p.m. Tanzanian time) to prevent match-fixing.
JKT Queens will face TP Mazembe at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, while ASEC Mimosas take on Gaborone United at the Right to Dream Stadium in Cairo.
As the team heads into its most crucial match of the tournament, all eyes will be on JKT Queens to see whether they can convert their fighting spirit and tactical discipline into a historic semi-final qualification continuing Tanzania’s growing influence in women’s football on the African stage.
