CAF WCLZQ: Namuleme Stars as Kenya Police Reach Semifinals

Crested Cranes captain Zaina Namuleme delivered a stellar performance to help her side, Kenya Police Bullets FC, secure a spot in the semifinals of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers.

In the final Group A match held at Nyayo Stadium, Namuleme was directly involved in both goals as the Bullets defeated Eritrea’s Denden FC 2-0.

She provided an assist in the 7th minute for Emily Kemunto, who opened the scoring before doubling the lead herself in the 33rd minute.

Despite several opportunities to extend their lead in the second half, Kenya Police Bullets were unable to add to their tally.

Nevertheless, the win was enough to see them top Group A with six points from two matches.

They had earlier edged Kampala Queens 1-0 in their opening fixture, finishing the group stage unbeaten and without conceding a single goal.

The result marked Denden FC’s second consecutive defeat, having suffered a heavy 7-0 loss to Kampala Queens in their opening game.

The debutants now exit the tournament alongside JKU Princess, who were also eliminated earlier.

Group stage action will conclude on Thursday, 11 September, with two decisive fixtures as Yei Joint Stars take on JKT Queens, while Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) face Top Girls Academy.

Top Girls must beat CBE and hope Yei lose to JKT Queens in order to progress.

JKT Queens need only to avoid defeat against Yei to top Group C and secure a semifinal place, while Yei can also advance as the best second-placed team if they manage a draw provided Top Girls either fail to win or win by only a one-goal margin.

Kampala Queens, on the other hand, will be hoping that CBE either beat or draw with Top Girls and that JKT Queens defeat Yei to keep their own semifinal hopes alive.

The semifinals are scheduled for Sunday, 14 September, with the third-place playoff and final set for Tuesday, 16 September 2025.

The winner of the tournament will go on to represent the CECAFA region at the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League finals, to be held in November this year.