The Kenya Police Bullets FC kicked off their CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers campaign on a high note, defeating Kampala Queens (Uganda) 1-0 in a tense Group A encounter at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
Both sides approached the first half with caution, creating few clear chances as the match went into halftime goalless.
The Bullets, returned from the break with renewed energy, and it took just a minute to break the deadlock when Emily Morang’a took her chance, heading home with her first touch after coming on as a substitute to earn her team the 1- 0 victory over Kampala Queens in their opening match on September 4.
Chasing the game, Kampala Queens coach Sharon Kiiza made attacking substitutions and pushed her side forward with long balls, but the Kenyan champions stood firm.
The visitors came close on several occasions but were repeatedly denied by the Bullets’ solid defending and sharp goalkeeping.
Police Bullets’ Coach Beldine Odemba praised her squad’s determination, adding that they were happy with the win and confident of performing even better in the matches ahead.
“I am glad the players stood out. In the first half, we created a lot of chances, but were not able to execute and get goals,” she said, adding that her decision to introduce forward Morang’a in the second half proved pivotal.
On the other hand, Kampala Queens Assistant coach Sharon Kiiza admitted her team had a good plan and strategy, but regrated the lack of scoring opportunities, noting that they shall go back to the drawing board and bounce back.
“We had planned our style of play, which did not work in this game. We were playing the host, and it did not go well,” she said.
By Anita Omwenga
