Kenya Police Bullets are just 90 minutes away from securing a Champions League qualification spot after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Simba Queens in the semi-final of the Zonal Qualifier at Abebe Bikila Stadium.

Despite featuring key Harambee Starlets players, Simba Queens struggled to contain a determined Police Bullets side led by Harambee Stars coach Beldine Odemba.

Police Bullets-Simba level

The match saw a dramatic turn of events as the teams went into the break tied at 1-1, thanks to goals from Lucy Kwekwe for Bullets and Corazone Aquino for Simba Queens.

In the second half, Aquino scored again, putting Simba ahead 2-1. However, Diana Wacera’s header equalized for the Police Bullets, and Rebecca Okwaro’s decisive goal secured the 3-2 win.

Bullets will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Commercial Bank of Ethiopia WFC and Kawempe Muslim Ladies from Uganda.

Simba Queens, who boasted a squad rich in experience and talent—including players like Jentrix Shikangwa Milimu, Elizabeth Wambui, and Aquino—had been impressive in the group stage, winning two matches, drawing once, and scoring 10 goals. In contrast, the Kenyan champions had managed only two goals in their group stage matches.

The second semi-final promises to be equally competitive, featuring Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE), who won all their group matches, against the tournament’s highest-scoring team, Kawempe Muslim Ladies.

CBE head coach Birhanu Gizaw Heye is determined to seize the opportunity, stating, “My team is motivated to go all out and get a good result to qualify for the final.”

Key players for CBE include leading scorer Senaf Wakuma Zenaf Demise and Aregash Kalsa Tadesse.

For Kawempe Muslim Ladies, who have been bolstered by the performances of Hadija Nandago, Agnes Nabukenya, and captain Phinah Nabulime, the preparation has been meticulous. Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi emphasizes their readiness for the semi-final, given the challenges of facing a home team.

The play-off and final of the Zonal Qualifier are set to take place on August 29 at Abebe Bikila Stadium. The tournament features eight teams from Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Djibouti, all vying for a coveted spot in the Champions League.