At the end of that not so quickly forthcoming final whistle, many would have been swift to pass their judgement after seeing that Kenya’s representatives in the first ever CAF Women’s Champions League tournament, Vihiga Queens, had been thrashed 4-0 by Nigeria’s River Angels who had not managed to win any game in their first two group matches.But here they were, brutally, tactically and ruthlessly dispatching the three time Kenyan champions as if it was a final game. To some extent, it was quite shocking how quickly that match descended into a pity party for our girls. How fast things had changed since we appeared to have cut a corner after losing the opening game against Mamelodi Sundowns! From the second half spirited fight against the South Africans, to the historic win over AS FAR Morocco in our second game, then to complete nothingness in a game where it mattered most. Bummer.3-time Kenyan women’s champions @Vihigaqueens get the country’s first ever win at @CAFwomen. Historic💥#CAFWCL #VihigaQueens pic.twitter.com/4OEUySifS2— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) November 9, 2021 Being Kenyans, we were obviously disappointed going down in that fashion. Without putting up much of a worthy fight. In honesty, there is not much the girls could have done particularly in that final group game as the Nigerian’s steely resolve and energy just proved too much. We ended up losing the game and consequently, getting knocked out of the inaugural women’s competition. But that is not the story of our Queens.Our Queens who managed to give us an escape at a time when major changes took course back at home. Our Queens, who put a smile on our faces as they edged Moroccan champions AS FAR 2-0 to let the whole world know that, just a team from Vihiga County, Kenya could go onto the biggest stage of women’s football in the continent and record a historic feat against the very best. Our Queens, who by just qualifying to that tournament, had already done enough. And that is all that mattered.Group stage: ✅Group B: 🔥Standings: 👇#TotalEnergiesCAFWCL | #ItsTimeItsNow pic.twitter.com/e6mEoyIhH4— #TotalEnergiesCAFWCL (@CAFwomen) November 12, 2021 As they bow out, obviously in disappointment, they should do so with their heads held very high for the commendable job they have done. This was a very new experience to a team that comes from one of the least supported leagues in the country. A league where eventual champions are unbelievably given a whooping Kshs 350,000 for all their efforts competing with a South African side whose owner is a multi-billionaire and the president of Confederation of African Football (CAF) – Patrice Motsepe. We are proud of you.For a moment also, it left a lot to be desired of what the future holds for women’s football in this country if the right support came through for the girls who time and again have managed to steal the limelight from the men’s game in terms of their achievements.𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐤𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭 is not a saying. It’s a way of life.🇿🇦 South Africa’s @SundownsLadies write history reaching the first-ever #TotalEnergiesCAFWCL semifinals! 🔥#ItsTimeItsNow pic.twitter.com/56m03sEuwJ— #TotalEnergiesCAFWCL (@CAFwomen) November 12, 2021 At the same time, it left a lot of lessons to be drawn at that level. There is simply no way we would just sit back, soak in all the pressure and hope to get something on the counter all the time and in all the games. It might work once or twice or thrice but eventually, as it showed, it will catch up and the best teams will make you pay for that hopeful playing style. Our tactical levels needs to go up as well to beat those talents on that stage.Credit to the entire Queens. In a space of six days, the starting eleven, save for one change, played all three games in the tournament. Janet Bundi playing through the pain barrier with her leg strapped but still pushing, Jentrix Shikangwa too tired to track back but still going on, Terry Engesha dejected after not receiving a pass when she should have but still giving her all. Lillian Awuor, outstandingly making her potential suitors know what she can do as she kept the scoreline from rolling into an embarrassment. Girls, it was not meant to be. But a whole nation is proud of you! You rock Vihiga Queens! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mozzart Sport Kenya (@mozzartsportke)
