Kenya’s representatives at the CECAFA Zone CAF Women’s Champions League qualifier tournament, Kenya Police Bullets, proved too tough to claw back, coming from a goalless deficit to secure a historic win in a five-goal thriller against Simba Queens.

The Beldine Odemba charges went ahead in the 29th minute, with Lucy Kwekwe capitalising on Simba Queens goalkeeper Carolyne Rufa’s glaring mistake to score her first goal of the tournament. Harambee Starlets midfielder Corazone Aquino equalised ten minutes later from close range, tapping into the empty net after Elizabeth Wambui’s hard-hitting cross was spilled by Bullets goalkeeper Annedy Kundu.

The 2022 champions started the second half on a high note, with Aquino scoring her second goal after combining with Wambui once again. Five minutes later, Diana Wacera brought the stadium to a standstill, rising highest to net a bullet header and restoring parity for the Beldine Odemba-led charges.

In the 82nd minute, a sublime pass from Diana Wacera found Rabecca Okwaro, who rounded the keeper and slotted home into the empty net, sending the Bullets to their historic first-ever CAF Women’s Champions League Cecafa Zonal Qualifiers Final.

The match saw “Modern Coach” Odemba trust former Vihiga Queens right-back Anne Norah, earning her debut in the last-four fixture. Norah did not disappoint, putting in an impressive outing and keeping Simba Queens’ Amina Bilal at bay for most of the game.

The Bullets will now face the winner of the match between Kawempe Muslim and CBE for a chance to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League group stages.