Kenya Police Bullets’ unbeaten run ends as JKT Queens advance to CECAFA women’s final

Kenya Police Bullets’ hopes of reaching the CECAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers final ended in heartbreak as they fell 4-2 on penalties to Tanzania’s JKT Queens in a tense semifinal at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday.

The Bullets began strongly, taking the lead in the 18th minute when Ugandan forward Margaret Kunihira calmly converted a penalty won by Emily Kemunto Morang’a. Having kept clean sheets throughout the tournament, this was the first goal conceded by JKT.

Tanzania’s champions responded before halftime. A defensive lapse in the 39th minute saw goalkeeper Annedy Kundu fail to deal with a free kick, allowing Jamila Rajabu to head home her fifth goal of the tournament, levelling the score at 1-1.

The second half and extra time were dominated by Police, who applied pressure through Kunihira’s surging runs on the flank and Zaina Namuleme’s creative midfield play. Despite several chances, including missed opportunities from Morang’a and Namuleme, the Bullets were unable to break the deadlock.

With the score tied 1-1 after 120 minutes, the match went to a penalty shootout. Police stumbled early as Morang’a and Leah Andiema missed their attempts, while JKT converted all four of their penalties through Winfrida Hurbert, Alia Fikiri, Donisia Daniel, and Ester Maseke to claim victory.

The loss ended Police Bullets’ unbeaten run in the qualifiers and sent JKT Queens into the final, where they will face Rwanda’s Rayons, who earlier edged Kampala Queens, for a chance at a CAF Women’s Champions League ticket.

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