SIMBA Queens have failed to qualify for the CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers finals after a narrow 3-2 defeat to Kenya Police Bullets FC in a semifinal match held at the Abebe Bikila Stadium yesterday afternoon in Addis Ababa.

Despite being the favorites to advance, Juma Mgunda's Simba Queens were unable to overcome their Kenyan league rivals. 

The Kenyan side, led by coach Beldine Odemba, displayed resilience and tactical superiority, ending Simba's hopes of qualifying for the second continental women's football campaign.

Heading into the game, Simba Queens were expected to dominate due to their free-scoring form throughout the tournament. 

However, Kenya Police had other plans and emerged victorious to move one step closer to qualifying for the showpiece event. The winner of the final will secure a spot in the continental competition.

Simba Queens started the match aggressively, seeking an early lead. Jentrix Shikangwa forced Kenya Police goalkeeper Annedy Kundu into making a crucial save, while Corazone Aquino’s shot narrowly missed the target, showing Simba’s intent to control the game from the outset.

However, Kenya Police Bullets managed to withstand the early pressure and gradually found their rhythm, proving particularly dangerous on counterattacks. 

Against the run of play, they took the lead through Lucy Kwekwe, who pounced on a spill from Simba's goalkeeper Carolyne Rufa to score the opening goal.

Simba Queens responded quickly, equalizing just ten minutes later. Kenya Police's keeper Kundu spilled a cross from Harambee Starlets winger Elizabeth Wambui, and Aquino seized the opportunity to score an easy tap-in, leveling the game before halftime.

The second half saw more action, with Simba taking the lead 11 minutes in. Aquino controlled the ball superbly before beating Kundu with a well-executed half-volley for her second goal of the match and her fourth of the tournament.

However, Simba's lead was short-lived. Just five minutes later, Diana Wacera equalized for Kenya Police with a powerful header from a free-kick delivery, making it 2-2.

Kenya Police continued to create scoring opportunities, with Kwekwe, Rebecca Okwaro, and Lydia Akoth all coming close to adding to their tally. Despite their dominance in the final third, a lack of composure prevented them from converting these chances.

The decisive moment came eight minutes from time when Okwaro capitalized on a defensive lapse, rounding goalkeeper Rufa and slotting the ball into an empty net to put Kenya Police ahead 3-2. 

The goal caused jubilation on the Police bench and proved to be the match-winner.

Rufa sustained an injury during the goal attempt and required medical attention. The goal proved to be the winner for the Kenyan team.

With this victory, Kenya Police will advance to the final, where they will face the winner of the second semifinal between Kawempe Muslim and Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. 

Should they triumph in the final, they will become the second Kenyan team to qualify for the CAF Women's Champions League, following Vihiga Queens' qualification in 2021.

This result marks a significant setback for Simba Queens, who were hopeful of making a deep run in the tournament. As they regroup and reflect on this defeat, their focus will now shift to preparing for future challenges and building on their strengths.