Kenya Police Bullets and CBE Women FC storm to CAF Women Champions League Qualifiers Finals

In a thrilling CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers semifinals, Kenya’s Police Bullets FC overcame Tanzania Women League champions Simba Queens FC 3-2 while hosts, Ethiopia’s CBE Women FC marched on with a 2-1 win over Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim FC on 26th August, 2024.

After registering a barren draw against South Sudan’s Yei Jont Stars, a slim 1 nil win over Rayon Sports Women FC and a loss to CBE Women FC in their Group A matches, Police Bullets FC came all guns blazing to silence Simba Queens.

Bullets were first to get on the score sheet on the 29th minute when Lucy Jira latched on a ball mishandled by Caroline Rufa, Simba Queens goalie. Minutes to half time, Bullets FC lead would be cut by Corazon Aquino close range tap from Elizabeth Wambui cross that had been parried to play by Bullets keeper Annedy Kundu.

Coming from half time a determined Simba took the lead with Corazon skillfully controlling the ball and launching a half volley into the net. The lead didnt last long as it only took 5 minutes for Police Bullets to level matters, this time Diana Wacera sending in a stinging header from a freekick.

Police Bullets marched on, posing threats to the Simba side and on the 82nd minute their efforts paid off, this time Rebecca Akoth beating her marker to round off Simba goalie and slot the ball into an empty net sending Police Bullets team and technical bench into jubilation.

Police Bullets held on their nerves with solid defending to secure a win and bag their maiden Finals ticket.

Later afternoon hosts CBE Women FC squared it off with Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC for a hard fought 2-1 win. CBE started pushing for an early goal but a stubborn Kawempe put the hosts at bay. Its only deep into half time at the 44th minute that CBE’s Mesay Temsegen found back of the net, capitalizing on a rebound to ease the hosts sides frustration.

Coming from half time home side cheers of believe could be heard as both sides kept knocking. However, it didnt take long as Shadia Nabirye capitalized on the Ethiopian side defense melee to guide the ball into the net and level matters.

Both sides produced thrilling performances but couldnt find the net with the match coming to the last minutes. Four minutes to end of play, and what appeared to be a misjudgement by Kawempe goalie, a long range effort by Emedet Asfaw bounced inside the box, straight into the net.

CBE women FC held on their nerves to maintain the lead and eventually march to their 3rd finals since inception of the Zonal Qualifiers in 2021.

CBE Women FC will now face Kenya’s Police Bullets on 29th August, in the CAF Womens Champions League Qualifiers for a coveted ticket to represent CECAFA region at the continental CAF Women’s Champions League 2024.

Simba Queens will earlier in the day take on Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC for a 3rd place play off.