Akida Eyeing UEFA Champions League Group Stage With FC PAOK

Kenyan international Esse Mbeyu Akida is determined to help her Greek Super League side FC PAOK Thessaloniki in their pursuit of a place in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) group stage.

The 30-year old  forward who has emerged the top scorer of the Greek side for the past two seasons believes she can make a bigger impact with the club this season, having extended her contract for a year after the conclusion of last season.

POAK failed to enter the prestigious group stage of the tournament last season after losing 4-0 to Rangers in the final of Round Two of the Champions Path.

 “It is a great feeling to continue being part and parcel of this team that is like a family to me. My main target in the coming season is to help my team qualify for the group stage of the UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL). My other big goal is to win the Greek league again," said Mbeyu.

Last season, POAK failed to enter the group stage despite securing an impressive 2-0 win against Swansea City in the semi-final of the qualifiers.

To qualify for the group stage this season, Akida’s side will have to beat Racing FC Union of Luxembourg - the first hurdle before.

If they win the match, they will face St. Pölten - the Austrian champions to secure a place in the UWCL group phase.

PAOK Women's Football Club has been participating in the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) since 2002 and has qualified for the championship since 2006.

They have, however, been knocked out in those occasions in the Qualifying Stage or round of 32, failing to earn a spot in the main tournament.