Kenyan Police Football Club Fires Deadly Shots, Overpowering Kampala Queens

Rayon Sports of Rwanda secured a hard-fought victory against Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA Zone qualifier, winning 2-1. This result deals a significant blow to CBE's chances of becoming the first team from the zone to qualify for the continental championship.

Last year, CBE triumphed in the final against Kenya Police Bullets with a score of 1-0, earning the right to represent the zone in the CAF Champions League. However, Police Bullets turned the tables this time, with Emily Moranga, a forward for the Kenyan team, scoring the winning goal.

The match started off evenly, with neither team making significant moves towards the opponents' goal during the first half. The game took a turn when Emily Moranga came off the bench to replace Lorna Nyabuto at the start of the second half. Her substitution resulted in a quick goal, putting Police Bullets ahead within minutes of her entry into the game.

Rayon Sports responded quickly, with Scholastique Gikundiro and Coralie Odette finding the back of the net for the Rwandan team. CBE's only goal was scored by Rediet Matios.

Elsewhere, Kenya Police Bullets also secured their place in the qualifiers with a 1-0 win against Kampala Queens. The match was a close affair, with Kampala Queens making efforts to equalize, but a solid Police Bullets defense, led by players such as Elizabeth Ochaka, Norah Ann, and Leah Andiema, held firm.

In the only fixture of the day, JKT Queens of Tanzania will face their Zanzibar counterparts JKU Princess in their opening Group C encounter. JKT Queens, who represented the CECAFA Zone in the 2023 CAF Champions League, will be aiming to start strongly to increase their chances of securing a return to the continental stage.

Meanwhile, JKU Princess are on a mission to secure their first appearance in the CAF Women's Champions League. The region has been represented by various teams in the past, with Vihiga Queens from Kenya, Simba Queens and JKT Queens from Tanzania, and CBE from Ethiopia being some of the recent participants.

Coach Beldine Odemba, the director of the football club Turbine Potsdam, praised Kampala Queens for their play, stating that they gave Police Bullets a tough time. Odemba also mentioned that Police Bullets created many scoring opportunities in the first half but were unable to capitalize on them.

Neither Police Bullets' goalkeeper Annedy Kundu nor Kampala Queens' goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro were put to a proper test during the match, indicative of the tight defensive play on display. The inclusion of Emily Moranga changed the game for Police Bullets, as she troubled the Kampala Queens' defense with her speed and frequent threats on their goal.

As the qualifiers progress, teams will be battling it out to secure their place in the CAF Women's Champions League, with the promise of exciting football and close matches ahead.