Kenya Police Bullets edge Kampala Queens 1-0 in CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers opener

Kenya Police Bullets began their 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zone Qualifiers campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Uganda’s Kampala Queens at Nyayo National Stadium on Thursday.

The decisive moment came just one minute into the second half when substitute Emily Kemunto Morang’a, who had replaced Lorna Nyabuto at the break, rose highest to head in a cross from Mary Nthambi Kilonzo. The goal crowned a dominant performance by the Kenyan champions, who created several chances but failed to extend their lead.

Police Bullets entered the clash in a confident mood, buoyed by home support and weeks of intense training.

“We are grateful to have our fans and families around. We have trained intensely for six weeks, and even though we are missing three first-team players through injury, the squad is ready to give their best,” said head coach Beldine Odemba before kick-off.

Team captain and goalkeeper Annedy Kundu also urged Kenyans to rally behind the team.

“We are representing not just our club but our country. We urge fans to come out and cheer for us,” she said.

The opening half was cautious, with limited clear chances. Kampala Queens threatened in the sixth minute from a corner, but Kundu gathered comfortably. At the other end, Police Bullets forward Margret Kunihira forced a smart save from goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro.

The hosts returned sharper after the interval, and Odemba’s substitution proved decisive.

“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 couldn’t convert. The substitution worked perfectly,” Odemba said afterwards.

Police Bullets nearly doubled their lead when former Kampala Queens captain Zainah Namuleme’s header struck the post, while Diana Wacera later rattled the crossbar.

Failed to find equaliser

Despite several late changes by Kampala Queens—including the introduction of Catherine Nagadya, Kamiyat Naigaga, Square Maiwase and Jolly Kobusinge—the Ugandan champions failed to find an equaliser.

Kampala Queens assistant coach Sharon Kizza admitted her side had underperformed.

“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 unfavourable outcome, we remain hopeful and we’ll bounce back. A 1-0 loss is not insurmountable,” she said.

Top of Group A

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The win puts Kenya Police Bullets top of Group A ahead of their next match against Eritrea’s Denden FC, where they will be aiming to secure a place in the knockout stages.

“We will analyse our next opponents and come up with a good plan,” Odemba added.

Earlier at the same venue, Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women FC stunned defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) with a 2-1 win. Goals from Gikundiro Scholastique and Carolie Odette gave Rayon the lead before substitute Rediet Matia pulled one back for CBE in the 71st minute, but it proved too little, too late.

The 2025 CECAFA qualifiers, hosted in Nairobi, feature 12 teams from across the region, with matches played at Nyayo Stadium and the Ulinzi Sports Complex.