Police Bullets have secured a place in the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA region qualifiers, despite suffering a 2-1 defeat at the hands of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in their final group stage match on Thursday afternoon. The match, held at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, was a crucial fixture in determining the semi-finalists from Pool ‘B.’
The Kenya Women Premier League (KWPL) champions managed to advance to the last four by finishing second in their group with four points. CBE, having already secured their spot at the top of the group with six points, confirmed their place in the semi-finals after winning their first two group matches. Despite the loss, Police Bullets’ earlier performances were enough to keep them in contention for the coveted CAF Women’s Champions League.
CBE had already demonstrated their dominance in the group by securing victories against South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars and Rwanda’s Rayon Sports. Their qualification for the semi-finals was assured before the final group stage match against Police Bullets, giving them the confidence to approach the game with a strong mindset.
Coached by Beldine Odemba, Police Bullets entered the tournament with determination, kicking off their campaign with a goalless draw against Yei Joint Stars. This solid start was followed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rayon Sports on Wednesday, thanks to a resilient team performance that put them in a favorable position to advance. Their superior goal difference over Yei Joint Stars, who managed a 2-1 win over Rayon Sports but were eliminated from the competition, proved crucial in securing their progression to the semi-finals.
As they prepare for the semi-finals, Police Bullets are set to face a formidable opponent in Tanzanian heavyweights Simba Queens. This match, scheduled for Monday, will be a defining moment for the team as they seek to secure a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League, representing the CECAFA region.
In their match against CBE, the Ethiopian side took an early lead through Senaf Wakuma, who found the back of the net just two minutes into the game. This early goal set the tone for a challenging match for Police Bullets, who struggled to break through CBE’s solid defense. However, the Kenyan side managed to equalize in the 32nd minute, thanks to a well-executed goal by Rebecca Akinyi. The match remained tightly contested, with both teams vying for control in the midfield and creating opportunities to score.
Despite their efforts, Police Bullets were unable to capitalize on their momentum. CBE’s Senaf Wakuma struck again in the 58th minute, securing her brace and restoring the lead for the Ethiopian side. The match ended 2-1 in favor of CBE, but Police Bullets’ overall performance in the group stage was enough to see them through to the next round.
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Looking ahead to their semi-final clash with Simba Queens, Police Bullets will need to draw on their experience and resilience to overcome the Tanzanian side, known for their strength and tactical prowess. The semi-final promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams eager to claim the top spot and secure their place in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
For Police Bullets, this tournament has already been a journey of challenges and triumphs. The team has shown great character in their matches, and their progress to the semi-finals is a testament to their hard work and determination. As they prepare for their next challenge, the support from their fans and the entire Kenyan football community will be crucial in pushing them towards success.
