After two unsuccessful attempts Commercial Bank of Ethiopia finally made it to their maiden CAF Women’s Champions League campaign after edging out Kenya Police Bullets 1-0 in the CECAFA Zonal qualifiers final.The Law Enforcers were looking to become only the second Kenyan side to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League after Vihiga Queens did so in the inaugural tourney back in 2021.Beldine Odemba’s charges were in their debut qualifiers after clinching their maiden FKF Women’s Premier League title in an invincible campaign that saw them fail to suffer a single defeat.Stars Abroad: Brian Mandela features as Stellenbosch shock Mamelodi Sundowns in cup semi-finalPolice were quickly off the blocks in the encounter as they nearly broke the deadlock two minutes into the game when Puren Alukwe flashed her effort wide after a brilliant flick-on from Rebecca Okwaro.Enjoying a boisterous home support, CBE settled into the game well and mustered their first real opportunity in the 10th minute when Mesay Temesgen’s goal-bound effort was blocked by Norah Anne.After exchanging a number of half chances, CBE came close again in the 43rd minute when Nigist Hailu was played through on goal but she saw her effort well kept out by Annedy Kundu.##NAJAVA_MECA_8298206##The game went into the halftime break with both teams locked in a barren draw.CBE’s head coach Birhanu Gizaw Heye’s halftime pep talk spurred up his charges as they emerged from the second half guns blazing, peppering Police Bullets’ goal.After a flurry of opportunities, the first best chance of the second half fell to Aregash Kalsa who cut in from the right flank to unleash a powerful shot that was parried by Kundu in goal.Kakamega to host 2025 FEASSSA GamesThe chances just kept on coming from CBE as Mesay Temesgen’s audacious long-range strike stung the palms of Kundu.Police finally had their first effort on target in the second half when Lydia Akoth delivered a free kick from 25 yards out that was unconvincingly stopped by the keeper before the CBE defenders hooked the ball to safety in the 78th minute.Kenya Police failed to heed the ominous signs as CBE’s incessant pressure finally paid off four minutes later when the Law Enforcers’ defense was twisted into knots leaving Senaf Wakuma free to flick the ball into the net after a defence-splitting pass by Senayit Bogale.##NAJAVA_MECA_8298214##There was still time for CBE to squander another chance in the second minute of added time when that girl again Wakuma found herself in acres of space but she could not hold her nerve as he fluffed her lines.CBE held on for the win to head to their maiden CAF Women’s Champions League campaign.
