Wadi Degla eye top prize after dream start at CAF Women's Champions League

Wadi Degla were awarded automatic qualification as hosts and made a dream start against the Malians as they went top of Group A that also has Malabo Kings of Equatorial Guinea and Ghana champions Hasaacas Ladies.

Noha Mamdouh opened scoring for the hosts from the penalty spot, to become the first player ever to net a goal in the newly-formed tournament.

Fatumata Dukureh then doubled the lead for Degla. However, Awa Traore narrowed the gap before the half-time break to keep the Malians in contention.

Jasmin Theresa secured victory for the Egyptians with the third goal for her team. 

Speaking after the tournament, Coach Elsayed hailed his players for the win urging them to put more efforts going to the second match on Monday.

“I was very much pleased by my players today. They really co-ordinated well and they followed my instructions. As the hosts, our aim is to win the title something which I am sure we can achieve it. Mande wasn’t a weak team to defeat, they were tough during the first half but we capitalize on their shakey defence and got our three crucial goals.”

In his part, AS Mande tactician Rokiatoue Samake blamed his charges for the loss, more so the defence and striking departments.

The next match for the host will be against Malabo Kings from Equatorial Guinea while AS Mande  will welcome Ghana giants Hasaacas Ladies on Monday, November 8 2021.

Elsewhere Hasaacas Ladies from Ghana collected their first 3 points of the group stage, beating Equatorial Guinea’s Malabo King's 3-1 at 30 June Stadium.

Evelyn Badu opened the scoring at the 12th minute as the opening half ended 1-0 for the Ghanaians.

In the second half, the game became more intense as Pepertual Agyekum doubled Hasaacas Ladies lead with a goal in the 85th minute just five minutes before Drepoba Gbogou decreased the gap for Malabo Kings.

Evelyn Badu then said the final word by completing her brace, scoring the third goal for Hasaacas Ladies to be named Woman of The Match.

 “I thank god for this opportunity in my first match in WCL. The Woman of The Match award encourages me to do more for the team and for myself I’m now more persistent to achieve more”.

Malabo King’s coach Ruben Garcia Gallego in his side said the mistakes which they made in the match caused them a lot.

“A normal loss after not doing the requested efforts. We made many mistakes that lead to that result, but we will manage to do more effort in our next matches”.

Hasaacas Ladies Coach Yusif Basigi , Hasaacas Ladies coach in his side congratulated his girls urging them to continue pressing in the next fixtures.

“I feel happy especially for the player they had the chance to play as a team. Malabo Kings was a very good side but we managed to pass this match.

“My compliments go to CAF for establishing women’s football we are in the right direction. The future looks very bright and it’s a gradual process to become more like men’s football.”

The competition will enter its second day today where two matches are lined up. Kenya side Vihiga Queens wills square it out with South Africa Giants Mamelodi Sundowns at 5PM EAT before Asfar Morocco entertain River Angels from Nigeria in the group B matches.

“We are well prepared, the morale is high and we are going for nothing but win. I am urging my players to give it to all because this is a good opportunity for them marketing their names for a possible Europeans signings.” Said Kenya side coach Charles Okere.

On his part Mamelodi Coach Jerry Tshabalala urged his players to capitalize on set pieces as a way to win the match.

“I have watched Kenya videos and I noted they are not good in set pieces. We should capitalize on that and once we get a set piece we should try to score.”