CAF Women’s Champions League: Kenya Police Bullets eyeing strong start as qualifiers kick off
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 04.09.25. | 09:06
The qualifiers run until 16 September, with the winner punching the available ticket to the continental stage
The 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers get underway today in Nairobi, ushering in ten days of action-packed football at the Nyayo National Stadium.
This year’s edition marks a return to Kenya, which last hosted the inaugural qualifiers in 2021.
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Back then, Vihiga Queens carried the country’s hopes, qualifying for the continental finals.
The team bowed out at the group stage in what was their debut appearance at the continental stage.
Since then, no Kenyan club has managed to reach the main competition, a record the Police Bullets will be eager to erase.
The opening fixture will see defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia begin their title defence against Rwanda’s Rayon Sports in a Group B clash at 1pm.
CBE are no strangers to the big stage—having reached three finals in the tournament’s short history.
After finishing runners-up twice, they finally triumphed last year, edging Kenya Police Bullets in the final to clinch their long-awaited crown.
Later at 4 pm, hosts, Police Bullets, step into the spotlight when they battle Uganda’s Kampala Queens.
With the home crowd firmly behind them, Beldine Odemba’s charges will be hoping for a dream start to their campaign.
Odemba, who steered her team to a runners-up finish on debut last year in Ethiopia, remains upbeat about their chances.
“The mood in camp is excellent, the players are motivated, and the squad has been strengthened with key signings both locally and from Uganda,” she said. “We are approaching the tournament one game at a time, with the ultimate aim of winning every match.”
Tournament organizers have also emphasized fan inclusion and security. CECAFA competitions manager Yusuf Mossi confirmed that entry to all matches will be free of charge, noting the importance of growing the women’s game.
“This event is about development, and we want to give as many people as possible the chance to support women’s football. We are building on the momentum from the just-ended men’s CHAN, and it is great to see strong media interest already,” Mossi remarked.
The qualifiers run until 16 September, featuring nine teams from across the region.
Only the winner will secure a coveted ticket to November’s CAF Women’s Champions League finals, representing East and Central Africa on the continental stage.
