Kenyan champions Police Bullets FC overcame Tanzania’s formidable Simba Queens with a 3-2 victory, securing a spot in the final of the Cecafa Women’s Champions League qualifiers. The intense match, held on Monday, saw the law enforcers rise to the occasion, halting the defending champions’ unbeaten run and high-scoring spree.
Police Bullets’ triumph was driven by goals from Lucy Kwekwe, Diana Wacera, and Rebecca Okwaro, who each found the back of the net in a game that tested their resilience and determination. Simba Queens, led by their captain Corazone Aquino—a standout midfielder for Harambee Starlets—put up a fierce fight, with Aquino scoring twice to keep the Tanzanian side in contention. However, her efforts were ultimately not enough to save the Cecafa Women Club Championship holders from defeat.
The match began with Police Bullets showing intent from the outset, pressing high and forcing mistakes from their opponents. Their persistence paid off in the 29th minute when Kwekwe capitalized on an error by Simba’s goalkeeper, coolly slotting the ball home to give the law enforcers a crucial lead. The goal sent ripples of excitement through the Police Bullets’ camp, but their joy was short-lived as Simba responded with equal fervor.
Just minutes later, Aquino demonstrated why she is one of the most feared players in the region. Receiving a precise cross from the right, she expertly finished with a calmness that belied the pressure of the moment, leveling the scores and reigniting Simba Queens’ hopes. Her second goal, which came after a moment of individual brilliance, saw her control the ball just outside the box, sidestep a defender, and deliver a clinical strike past the outstretched arms of Police Bullets’ goalkeeper Agneta Kundu.
At 2-1, Simba appeared to have the upper hand, but Police Bullets were not done yet. The Kenyan side, under the astute guidance of coach Beldine Odemba, regrouped and intensified their attack. Their persistence was rewarded in the 60th minute when Diana Wacera rose highest to meet Lydia Akoth’s well-placed freekick, heading the ball powerfully into the net to bring the score level once more.
With the clock ticking down and both teams pushing for a winner, it was Police Bullets who seized the moment. In the 82nd minute, Rebecca Okwaro became the hero of the day, tapping in from close range after Wacera’s pass found her in space inside the box. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Police Bullets players and fans, as they sensed that the final was within their grasp.
The victory was not only a significant achievement for Police Bullets but also a statement of intent. Speaking after the match, Police FC Executive Chairman SAIG Nyale Munga expressed his delight at the team’s performance and their unwavering pursuit of regional dominance.
“This win underlines our thirst for regional glory, which is unstoppable. We are now a powerhouse in the region. The march continues towards more victories and ultimately, the CAF Champions League slot,” Nyale said, reflecting the club’s ambitions to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the continental stage.
Police Bullets’ journey to the final is even more impressive considering the caliber of the opposition they faced. Simba Queens had cruised to the semi-finals, remaining unbeaten and scoring 10 goals while conceding only two. Yet, the Kenyan champions were undeterred, showcasing their tactical discipline, teamwork, and fighting spirit to emerge victorious.
As they prepare to face either Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim or Ethiopia’s CBE in the final, Police Bullets will be buoyed by the knowledge that they have already toppled the defending champions. The stakes could not be higher, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League, a goal that Police Bullets are now just one step away from achieving.
The victory was part of a successful trip to Ethiopia for Police Bullets, with their male counterparts also making headlines by advancing to the CAF Confederation Cup’s second preliminary stage after a 1-0 win over Ethiopian Coffee. The achievement by both teams underscores Police Bullets’ growing influence in regional football, as they continue to blaze a trail for Kenyan clubs on the international stage.
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