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Beldine Odemba's Bullets fall short as third-time lucky Ethiopian outfit CBE sucker-punch them to seal maiden CAF Women's Champions League place.
Kenya Police Bullets' hopes of making history were dashed on Thursday afternoon as they narrowly lost 1-0 to Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers final, missing out on a coveted spot in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
The Law Enforcers, who had their sights set on becoming only the second Kenyan team to qualify for the continental showpiece following Vihiga Queens' success in 2021, will now have to wait another season to achieve their dream.
Beldine Odemba’s side, fresh off a stellar, unbeaten campaign in their debut FKF Women’s Premier League season, came into the match with high expectations.
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They wasted no time in trying to assert themselves, with Puren Alukwe nearly opening the scoring just two minutes into the contest. Alukwe, fed by a clever flick from Rebecca Okwaro, saw her effort narrowly miss the target, setting the tone for what was expected to be an intense battle.
CBE, however, quickly found their footing and responded with a threat of their own in the 10th minute when Mesay Temesgen's shot was heroically blocked by Norah Anne, keeping the game level.
The Ethiopian side grew in confidence as the half progressed, and nearly took the lead in the 43rd minute when Nigist Hailu was sent clear on goal, only to be denied by the quick reflexes of Kenya Police goalkeeper Annedy Kundu.
The first half ended in a tense, scoreless draw, but the second half saw a rejuvenated CBE, spurred on by their coach Birhanu Gizaw Heye's halftime rallying cry.
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The Ethiopians emerged with intent, launching wave after wave of attacks on the Kenyan goal. Kundu was called into action several times, first to parry a powerful strike from Aregash Kalsa and later to palm away a long-range effort from Temesgen.
Kenya Police, under constant pressure, finally managed a shot on target in the 78th minute when Lydia Akoth delivered a free kick from distance. The CBE goalkeeper fumbled the initial save, but her defenders were quick to clear the danger. However, the reprieve was short-lived.
In the 82nd minute, CBE’s relentless assault finally paid dividends. Senaf Wakuma, left unmarked after a slick passing move, calmly slotted the ball past Kundu, who could do nothing to prevent the inevitable. The goal, coming after a series of near-misses, was a dagger to the heart of the Kenyan side's aspirations.
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08:00 - 28.08.2024
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Despite a late scare from Wakuma, who squandered a golden opportunity to double the lead in stoppage time, CBE held firm to secure their maiden appearance in the CAF Women’s Champions League.
For Kenya Police Bullets, the defeat is a bitter pill to swallow, but their inaugural campaign in the qualifiers and their domestic triumph offer a solid foundation to build on for the future.
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