Kenya Police Bullets and CBE players battle during the CAF women's qualifiers. photo/courtesy
Kenya Police Bullets’ quest for a CAF Women’s Champions League spot was cut short as they narrowly lost 1-0 to Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers final on Thursday afternoon.
The Law Enforcers, hoping to follow in Vihiga Queens’ 2021 footsteps, will have to wait another year to get another chance.
Beldine Odemba’s side, fresh off an unbeaten FKF Women’s Premier League season, entered the match with high hopes.
Puren Alukwe almost gave them an early lead in the second minute, but her shot, set up by Rebecca Okwaro’s clever flick, missed the target by a whisker, setting the tone for a fiercely contested match.
The Ethiopian side launched a barrage of attacks, with Kundu making several critical saves, including a powerful strike from Aregash Kalsa and a long-range effort from Temesgen.
Under constant pressure, Kenya Police managed their first shot on target in the 78th minute when Lydia Akoth’s long-range free kick forced a fumble from the CBE goalkeeper, but the danger was swiftly cleared by her defenders.
In the 82nd minute, CBE’s relentless pressure finally paid off as Senaf Wakuma, left unmarked after a smooth passing sequence, slotted the ball past Kundu, sealing the match with a decisive goal.
Despite Wakuma missing a chance to double the lead in stoppage time, CBE held on to secure their maiden appearance in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
For Kenya Police Bullets, the defeat is a tough blow, but their impressive debut campaign in the qualifiers and domestic success provide a strong foundation for future endeavors.
