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Several factors contributed to their exit in the qualifiers, which were won by Tanzania's JKT Queens, advancing them to the main tournament in Côte d'Ivoire.
On Friday 11 August, Vihiga Queens, the reigning Football Kenya Federation Women's Premier League champions, embarked on a journey to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League, only to see their aspirations dashed in an agonising manner.
Their dreams of continental conquest were extinguished by Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC (CBE FC) in the semi-finals, leaving the Queens and their supporters grappling with a mix of bewilderment and disappointment.
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It was a match that will be etched in the memories of the Queens forever, a game where they led throughout the regulation time, only to be dealt a devastating blow in the 94th minute as they conceded an equaliser.
The game extended into thirty minutes of extra time after ending in a 1-1 draw, and it was in this added period that their hopes were further dimmed by CBE’s second goal, sealing their unfortunate exit from the tournament.
Queens had their moments of brilliance throughout the match, showcasing their talent and determination. Bertha Omita's strike in the 55th minute propelled them into the lead, igniting hopes of a triumphant outcome.
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However, in football, timing can be everything, and the ill-opportune concession of Loza Abera's goal proved to be a turning point that shifted the trajectory of the game.
As they reflected on the events that transpired on that fateful day, Queens were left grappling with the question of how such a promising lead was surrendered.
In the aftermath of their exit, Vihiga Queens' coach Charles Okere expressed his perspective to reporters on the competitive landscape of women's football. "Teams are improving every year and all are playing competitive football. We will definitely be back next year.”
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However, amid the coach's determination and the players' efforts, certain underlying factors cannot be ignored.
The late appointment of Okere as stand-in coach for the CECAFA qualifiers campaign, albeit supported by Boniface Nyamunyamuh, could have played a role in the team's performance.
The limited time for the players to adapt to Okere's strategies and coaching style might have impacted their cohesion and overall gameplay, particularly in high-stakes matches.
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Preparation, or the lack thereof, can often be a decisive factor in the outcome of a tournament. Vihiga Queens' journey to the CAF Women's Champions League qualifiers was marked by a dearth of strong build-up matches.
Their last competitive game before the tournament concluded on May 27, leaving them with a substantial gap without competitive play.
This hiatus from action could have disrupted their rhythm and match fitness, potentially impacting their performance on the field.
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Another crucial aspect that must be considered is the environmental conditions in which the matches were played. Vihiga had been accustomed to playing most of their league matches on natural grass, but the CAF Women's Champions League tournament in Uganda introduced them to the challenges of artificial turf.
The adjustment to a different playing surface, with varying ball dynamics and player movements, could have influenced their gameplay and overall comfort on the field.
Climate is yet another variable that can affect team performance, particularly in a sport as physically demanding as football. The matches were held in Kampala and Jinja, which have distinct weather conditions from Vihiga.
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Considering the impact of climate on player fitness and stamina, it might have been beneficial for the Queens to prepare for the tournament in a location with similar weather patterns.
Kisumu, with its artificial turf and comparable climate, could have provided a more conducive training environment.
As fans continue to analyse the nuances of Vihiga Queens' journey, it is worth noting that the journey of a champion is defined not only by their successes but also by their ability to learn and adapt from setbacks.
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Queens' exit from the CAF Women's Champions League offers a valuable opportunity to reflect, refine strategies, and address the factors that led to their elimination.
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