KEJA face JKT test in Dar as KAS seek to bounce back

Kenyan Elite Junior Academy (KEJA) players celebrate after scoring a goal against South Sudan's City Lights FC during their Caf U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) match at Azam Complex, Dar es Salaam on January 8, 2025. [Cecafa Media]

Kenyan Elite Junior Academy (KEJA) will be seeking their second win in Group A of the ongoing Caf U17 Girls Integrated Football Tournament (GIFT) when they face JKT Queens in a top-of-the-table clash at Azam Complex, Dar es Salaam on Friday.

The Mildred Cheche-trained side demolished South Sudan's City Lights FC 6-0 in their opening group match played on Wednesday just a day after their compatriots Kenya Academy of Sport (KAS) lost 3-0 to Tanzania's JKT Queens.

KEJA were included in the tournament as a late replacement for BD Kenama of Ethiopia, who withdrew from the competition.

Emily Adhiambo opened the scoring for KEJA with an early goal in the ninth minute. Flevia Khatenje doubled the lead in the 37th minute, followed by Jane Sakwa's strike in the 42nd minute.

Joan Ogola added two goals to the tally, scoring on the stroke of halftime and in the 81st minute. Alice Wilson also scored in her own net in the 51st minute to seal the emphatic win for KEJA.

KAS under the tutelage of Jackline Juma will be hoping to recover from their day one defeat when they battle with City Light FC today.

KEJA are currently leading Group A with three points and a superior goal difference, followed by JKT Queens in second place. KAS are in third position, while City Lights FC are rooted at the bottom of the group.