Kenya Police women’s team has started its campaign for a place in CAF Women’s Champions League on a good note, beating Kampala Queens from Uganda 1-0 on Thursday at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
Substitute Emily Morang’a second-half goal secured maximum points for the reigning Kenyan league champions in their opening Group ‘A’ match of Cecafa region qualifiers.
Ealier at the same venue, Rayon Sports of Rwanda who are making their second appearance in the tournament, defeated Cecafa region champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) 2-1.
Gikundiro Scholastique put Rayon ahead in the fourth minute, and her team mate Carolie Odette doubled Rayon’s lead in the 56th minute of the match. Substitute Rediet Matia scored CBE’s consolation in the 71st minute of the match.
Rayon, coached by Dushimimana Djamila, now lead Group ‘B’ standings on three points, and are scheduled to play Burundian side Top Girls Academy on Sunday at the same venue. CBE will play Top Girls in their final group match on September 11.
Kenya is hosting the 12-team Cecafa regional qualifiers of 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League at Nyayo National Stadium, and at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Captain Annedy Kundu started in goal, shielded by a defence line of Elizabeth Ochaka, Leah Cherotich, and Norah Ann. Diana Wacera started in midfield, alongside Lorna Nyabuto, Ugandan international Zaina Namuleme, and Medina Abubakar.
Mary Nthambi Kilonzo, Margaret Kunihira, and Lucy Jira led the attack for Kenya Police.
In the opening 10 minutes, both teams went out in search of the early goal. Kampala came close in the sixth minute of the match from a corner ball, but Kundu easily neutralized the threat.
A minute later, Kenya Police forward Kunihira beat three defenders on the left wing and dribbled to the box, but her shot was saved by Kampala's goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro, resulting in an unfruitful corner.
Police dominated, but the teams were level 0-0 at half-time.
In the second half, Kenya Police coach Beldine Odemba brought in Emily Morang'a for Lorna Nyabuto in search for a goal, and the substitution paid off less than two minute later as Morang’a put Police ahead.
Kampala coach Firew Asefa made a double substitution five minutes into the second half, bringing on forward Kamiyati Naigaga for Peace Muduwa and Jolly Kobusingye for Cathrine Wujja, but the changes did not bear fruit.
Speaking in a post-match interview, Odemba said her players played according to plan.
“We played well, and secured the victory. Our players understood their assignments. We brought in Morang'a for Nyabuto because we created many scoring chances but struggled to convert them into goals. This substitution proved effective,” said Odemba.
“We will analyse our next opponents, Denden FC from Eritrea, and come up with a good plan.”
“We thank the fans for their support. Playing with them cheering us on motivates the home team,” she said.
Kampala Queens’ assistant coach, Sharon Kizza, said:
“Our game plan didn't work. We struggled against the host team, failing to execute crucial back passes through their defence. Our team is capable, but we underperformed, allowing our opponents to dictate the game. Despite the unfavorable outcome, we remain hopeful and we’ll bounce back. A 1-0 loss is not insurmountable,” Kizza said.
With three points from the match, Kenya Police Bullets top the table of standings and will face Denden FC of Eritrea in their final group stage match on Thursday at Nyayo National Stadium.
On Friday, Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa from Tanzania will play Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi from Zanzibar at Ulinzi Sports Complex from 1pm.
