Mafunzo Queens head coach Abdulmutik Haji Ali is confident his side has what it takes to top Group A of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers, which will be held in Kigali from August 21-31. The Zanzibar champions have been drawn alongside hosts Rayon Sports WFC of Rwanda, Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan and Eritrea’s Denden FC. Speaking ahead of the tournament, Haji Ali said his team is well prepared for the challenge and determined to secure a place in the continental finals. “We shall prepare well with pride. We know it will be tough, but we are ready to compete and fight for every point,” Haji Ali said. Mafunzo Queens were the first foreign team to arrive in Rwanda for the regional qualifiers, giving them additional time to acclimatise to the conditions and complete their final preparations. Haji Ali said his squad is in good shape, with the players showing sharpness, focus and determination as they target qualification for the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. As part of their preparations, Mafunzo Queens recorded a 2-0 victory over Djibouti’s FC Ujeco in a friendly match at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday, August 17. The result provided an early confidence boost ahead of their opening Group A encounter against hosts Rayon Sports. “The players have responded well in training and the friendly match gave us a good indication of where we stand. We are focused on our objectives and ready for the competition,” Haji Ali added. The qualifiers will be played at Kigali Pelé Stadium and the FERWAFA Technical Centre in Remera. The Group A action will begin on August 21, when Yei Joint Stars face Denden FC before Rayon Sports WFC take on Mafunzo Queens at Kigali Pelé Stadium. Mafunzo Queens believe they have assembled a strong squad capable of competing with the region’s best teams and finishing at the top of the group. “Every team here deserves respect, but our ambition is clear. We have come to Kigali to compete at the highest level and finish at the top of our group,” Haji Ali said. Only the winner of the regional tournament will earn the right to represent the CECAFA Zone at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals, making every match crucial in the race for continental qualification.
