Kenya Police Bullets FC became the first side to book a semi-final at the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers in Nairobi after securing back-to-back wins in Group A.

The Kenyan champions followed up their opening victory against Kampala Queens WFC with a convincing 2-0 triumph over Eritrea’s Denden FC at Nyayo Stadium on Wednesday.

Coach Beldine Odemba’s team wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Emily Kemunto Moranga’a breaking the deadlock early in the first half. Ugandan striker Zaina Namuleme doubled the advantage before the interval, ensuring the Bullets carried a comfortable lead into the break.

Despite spirited defending from Denden, the second half saw the hosts maintain control, closing out the game to confirm their place in the knockout stages. With six points from two matches and yet to concede a goal, Odemba’s side have emerged as strong contenders for the regional crown.

“We are happy that we have won all our matches and qualified for the semi-final stage,” said Odemba afterwards. “We need to keep working hard ahead of the knock-out round.”

For Denden, the result marked the end of their campaign, but coach Rezene Gebregiorgis Remoz drew positives from his young squad’s exposure at continental level. “Although we failed to qualify, I am happy my players got the experience of facing some of the best in the region,” he said.

The qualifiers continue on Thursday with two key fixtures: Burundi’s Top Girls Academy faces 2024 champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in Group B, while Tanzania’s JKT Queens meets Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan in Group C.