Kenya’s Vihiga Queens started their CAF Women’s Champions League campaign on the wrong footing, falling by a solitary goal to South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in the opening match of Group B.Despite the loss, Vihiga Queens custodian Lillian Awuor was voted the Woman of The Match for her heroics in goal for the Kenyan side.Sundowns scored the all-important goal early in the first half, with Melinda Kgadiete looping the ball over Lillian Awuor in the third minute after receiving a long ball from Bambanani Mbane to take a lead that they would hold on to the final whistle.The goal saw the South Africans dictate pace in the initial minutes, even threatening to add a second in a couple of instances.Vihiga Queens slowly grew into the game later and even had their chances that they could have converted to go level with Sundowns.⚽ FULL TIME!🇰🇪 @Vihigaqueens 0-1 @SundownsLadies 🇿🇦Sundowns Ladies edge Vihiga Queens to bag their first 3⃣ points in the #TotalEnergiesCAFWCL! ✌️#ItsTimeItsNow pic.twitter.com/pfIoI1W73v— #TotalEnergiesCAFWCL (@CAFwomen) November 6, 2021 Jentrix Shikangwa had the most clear-cut chance in the 30th minute with an opportunity to loop the ball over Sundowns’ custodian but she put in a little too much power in her effort to land the ball on the roof of the net.Tereza Engesha had her moments in the first half, dancing around the COSAFA representatives at will but her final ball was always wanting and below the expectations, causing no threat in the end.On resumption, Sundowns picked up from where they had left and continued to dominate game with Vihiga chasing.Vihiga’s chase could have paid off just after the hour mark again through Shikangwa after the Kenyan international twisted her way past the defenders before shooting with her weeker foot, forcing the goalkeeper to a top-drawer save in the 65th minute.Full time score! pic.twitter.com/XrJGL4k9kq— Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies Team (@SundownsLadies) November 6, 2021 Before their next game, Vihiga Queens will have to work a little bit more on their set-piece delivery as they could have made good use of the many fouls they got awarded if they had a better delivery.Vihiga’s midfielder general Merceyline Anyango took no prisoners, being combative when she was needed to be and was the first person to get booked for a foul on a Sundowns player.Vihiga Queens could have gotten the equalizer with the last kick of the game from a setpiece, with Shikangwa striking the ball perfectly but Rabalao was up with a fingertip save to ensure that Sundowns won the game.Vihiga Queens Starting XI: Lilian Awuor (GK), Enez Mango (C), Joan Nabirye, Janet Bundi, Mercyline Anyango, Tereza Engesha, Phoeby Owiti, Vivian Makokha, Jentrix Shikangwa, Violet Nanjala, Christine NafulaMamelodi Sundowns Starting XI: Phillistus Rabalao, Zanele Nhlapho, Chuene Morifi, Rhoda Malaudzi, Melinda Kgadiete, Bambanani Mbane, Oratile Mokwena, Lerato Kgasago, Andisiwe Mgcoyi, Regina Mogolola, Nonhlanhla Mthandi
