Kenya Police Bullets March into CAFWCL Semifinals with a Decisive Victory

In a thrilling display of dominance and strategy, Kenya Police Bullets secured their place in the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League (CAFWCL) CECAFA Qualifiers 2025 by defeating Denden Women 2-0. The match, held at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi, saw the Kenyan champions maintain their perfect record, solidifying their position at the top of Group A. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for the team but also sends a powerful message to their competitors about their intent to qualify for the main tournament.

A Tale of Two Halves

The match unfolded with a clear narrative: Kenya Police Bullets’ relentless attack against Denden Women’s determined defense. From the opening whistle, the Bullets controlled the tempo, pressing high and creating numerous scoring opportunities. Their offensive pressure was rewarded early, as they found the back of the net twice in the first half.

The first goal came in the 7th minute when Emily Kemunto capitalized on a well-executed play to give the home side the lead. Not long after, in the 34th minute, Ugandan international Zaina Namuleme doubled the advantage with a composed finish. The two goals provided a comfortable cushion for the Bullets, allowing them to dictate the pace for the rest of the game.

Despite the two-goal deficit, Denden Women, making their debut in the tournament, showed resilience. They returned to the second half with a more organized defensive formation, frustrating the Bullets’ attempts to extend their lead. While they failed to create significant scoring chances, their coach, Rezene Gebregiorgis, expressed pride in his young team’s performance, viewing the experience as a crucial learning curve for the future of Eritrean women’s football.

Key Match Facts and Statistics

The victory over Denden Women was a testament to Kenya Police Bullets’ tactical discipline and individual brilliance. Here’s a breakdown of the key facts from the game:

This result, combined with their earlier 1-0 win against Kampala Queens, gives Kenya Police Bullets a flawless record in the group stage. The team has shown a strong balance of attacking prowess and defensive solidity, a combination that makes them a formidable contender for the title.

Group A Standings After Matchday 2:

Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	Points	Goal Difference
Kenya Police Bullets	2	2	0	0	6	+3
Kampala Queens	2	1	0	1	3	+6
Denden Women	2	0	0	2	0	-9

Note: The table is based on available match results up to the point of publication and may not reflect the final group standings.

The Road to the Final: Semifinal and Beyond

By winning Group A, Kenya Police Bullets have booked a ticket to the semifinals, which are scheduled for September 13, 2025. They will face the winner of Group C, which includes JKT Queens (Tanzania), Yei Joint Stars (South Sudan), and JKU Princess (Zanzibar).

“We are happy that we have won all our matches and qualified for the semi-final stage.”

This sentiment from Kenya Police Bullets coach Beldine Odemba reflects the team’s focus on one game at a time, with their sights set firmly on the ultimate prize: a place in the main CAF Women’s Champions League tournament. The final is slated for September 16, 2025, and will determine which team from the CECAFA region represents the zone on the continental stage.

The knockout stage promises to be a thrilling affair. With teams like defending champions CBE (Ethiopia) and the impressive JKT Queens (Tanzania) also vying for a spot, the competition is fierce. The fact that only one team can qualify for the finals adds to the high-stakes drama.

The journey to the top will require a combination of skill, strategy, and mental fortitude. Kenya Police Bullets have already shown they possess all three.

Quotes from the Coaches

The post-match reactions from both coaches provided valuable insights into their teams’ performances and a broader perspective on the tournament’s significance.

These quotes highlight the dual nature of the tournament: a high-level competition to find a continental representative, and a crucial development platform for emerging teams and players in the region.

The Rise of Women’s Football in CECAFA

The CAFWCL CECAFA Qualifiers 2025 are more than just a tournament; they are a beacon of progress for women’s football in the region. The decision to offer free entry to all matches has seen stadiums fill up with passionate fans, creating a vibrant atmosphere that is vital for the sport’s growth.

Key Development Areas:

Increased Fan Engagement: The free-entry model has removed a major barrier, allowing more people to experience the excitement of women’s football firsthand.

Player Exposure: The tournament provides a platform for local and regional talent to showcase their skills to a wider audience and potentially attract scouts from bigger clubs.

Development and Inspiration: Young girls and aspiring female athletes get to watch their role models in action, inspiring them to pursue their own footballing dreams.

This positive trend is a result of concerted efforts by CECAFA and its member associations to invest in and promote the women’s game. The success of teams like Kenya Police Bullets, who are now just two wins away from the continental stage, serves as a powerful testament to the talent and potential that exists within the region. The journey continues, and all eyes will be on Nairobi as the knockout stage unfolds.