The 2024 runners-up Kenya Police Bullets have defeated FC Ujeco 3-1 to book a place in the semi-final at the on-going CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda.
Going into the match the Kenyan champions who had defeated Simba Queens (Tanzania) 2-1 in their opening Group B match needed to win to advance to the knock out stage.
Martha Amunyoletelo netted a brace, while Eglay Mukhwana also got her name on the score sheet for Kenya Police Bullets in a match played at the Kigali Pele Stadium. Irene Tuyishemeze pulled a goal back for the Burundi side.
The win sent Kenya Police Bullets to the semi-final where they will now face surprise package Yei Joint Stars WFC from South Sudan. David Bujego Rangon, the Kenya Police Bullets head coach has made it clear that this is their year to win the trophy and qualify to represent the Zone.
“We have tried and failed to win the trophy before, but this time we are determined and prepared to go all the way and win the title,” he added.
In the earlier match Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies humbled FC Ujeco (Djibouti) 8-0 to advance to the knock out stage.
Latifah Nakasi and Jovia Nakago each netted a brace, while Samalie Nakacwa, Agnes Nabukenya and Cecelia Apiding also got their names on the score sheet. FC Ujeco defender Hana Yimer scored an own goal to put the Ugandan side ahead.
Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, the Kawempe Muslim Ladies coach said he was happy his team has won all two matches scoring nine goal and conceding none. “We go back to the drawing board to prepare for the semi final stage because we are determined to perform better than our third place finish in 2024,” added the coach.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the 2024 winners also advanced as the second best placed team among all the three groups. They defeated FC Ujeco (Djibouti) 11-0, but lost to Kawempe Muslim Ladies in their second match.
They advanced as the second best placed team from all the groups with 3 points and a better goal difference than Simba Queens.
Action continues on Saturday with Kawempe Muslim Ladies facing Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in the first semi final match, while Yei Joint Stars WFC take on Kenya Police Bullets in the second match. The play-off for third place and the final will be played on August 31st.
