Kenya Police Bullets, the reigning FKF Women’s Premier League champions, narrowly missed a coveted spot in the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League after a 1-0 defeat to Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers final. The match took place on Thursday, August 29, 2024, at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Bullets faced a formidable challenge from CBE throughout the match, with the Ethiopian side dominating possession and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Goalkeeper Annedy Kundu performed admirably, making several crucial saves to keep her team in the game.
CBE’s Triumph, Finally
The decisive goal came in the 79th minute when Senaf Wakuma Demise slotted the ball past Kundu after a well-executed passing combination. CBE’s victory marked their first title in the competition, having previously finished as runners-up in the 2021 and 2023 editions.
Commercial Bank of Ethiopia’s coach, Birhanu Gizaw Heye, expressed his delight at finally securing the championship title: “I am thrilled that we have finally lifted this trophy in front of our home fans in Addis Ababa. I commend the players and the team’s management for their hard work and dedication.”
Champions at last! CBE WFC has etched its name in history.#ShowingHerBeauty #cecafawomen pic.twitter.com/ILqmMhEMwA
— CECAFAWOMEN (@cecafawomen) August 29, 2024
Kenya Police Bullets Starting XI
Annedy Kundu (GK), Norah Anne, Nelly Sawe, Elizabeth Ochaka, Lydia Akoth, Lydia Waganda, Diana Wacera, Jane Hato, Rebecca Okwaro, Lucy Kwekwe, Puren Anyetu
Substitutes
Mishi Mbaru (GK), Diana Tembesi (GK), Stella Oduor, Juliet Andibo, Leah Andiema, Quinter Owiti, Sharon Juma, Yasmin Khalid, Mary Nthambi, Christine Nafula, Emily Morang’a, Lucy Kwekwe, Mercy Masika, Bertha Omita
Road to the Final
En route to the final, Bullets began their campaign with a goalless draw against South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars. They bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women. However, a 2-1 loss to CBE in their final group match meant they had to settle for second place in Group A.
Bullets advanced to the semifinals, edging out Simba Queens 3-2. The latter boasts of six Kenyans in their ranks, including Caroline Rufa, Ruth Ingosi, Elizabeth Wambui, Corazone Aquino, Wincate Kaari and Gentrix Shikangwa.
Full-Time Results
- Final: CBE (Ethiopia) 1-0 Bullets
- Semifinal: Simba Queens 2-3 Bullets
- Group A: Bullets 1-2 CBE
- Group A: Bullets 1-0 Rayon Sports Women
- Group A: Bullets 0-0 Yei Joint Stars
Individual Accolades
Despite the heartbreaking defeat, Coach Beldine Odemba was named Coach of the Tournament, while Goalkeeper Annedy Kundu, who made numerous key saves, was awarded the Best Goalkeeper award.
Congratulations to coach beldine odemba for scooping the best coach of the tournament and Annedy kwamasi Kundu for emerging the best keeper of the tournament.#policingthroughsports #tuchezetujuane #KilaMechiFainali#footballKE pic.twitter.com/H6lLT3dTCf
— KENYA POLICE BULLETS FC (@policebullets) August 29, 2024
Vihiga Queens’ Previous Triumph
In 2021, Vihiga Queens became the inaugural champions of the competition, defeating CBE 2-1 in extra time. The tournament was held in Nairobi.
Queens subsequently participated in the CAF Women’s Champions League but were unable to progress beyond the group stage. The Group included Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), AS FAR (Morocco) and Rivers Angels (Nigeria).
Among the notable players who made a mark for Vihiga Queens include Gentrix Shikangwa, who is now at Simba Quuens, Violet Wanyinyi and Terry Engesha.
All the best to our very own @Vihigaqueens the reigning CAF Women Champions League CECAFA qualifier Champions as they start their #TotalEnergiesCAFWCL campaign against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, today, at the El Salaam Stadium in Egypt, 5 pm EAT. pic.twitter.com/Kid39YmUfZ
— Football Kenya Federation (@Football_Kenya) November 6, 2021
Upcoming FKF WPL Season
With the CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers concluded, Kenya Police Bullets will now turn their attention to the upcoming 2024/25 FKF Women’s Premier League season, which will begin in September. The team will face stiff competition from last year’s runners-up, Vihiga Queens, and record FKF Women Cup winners Ulinzi Starlets, who are all eager to qualify for continental football.