Kenya Police Bullets head coach Beldine Odemba praised her side’s resilience after a narrow 1-0 victory over Uganda’s Kampala Queens in their opening CAF Women’s Champions League Cecafa qualifiers clash at Nyayo National Stadium.
“It was a good side. Uganda are a good side. I am glad the players stood out. In the first half, we created a lot of chances but were not able to execute and get goals,” said Odemba, adding that her decision to introduce forward Emily Morang’a in the second half proved decisive as she netted the winner just seven minutes after coming on.
“We had to think fast to what would help us. Emily came in and gave us a goal, and that is what gave us victory.” Odemba noted that her side had to re-strategise as the match wore on, while underlining her commitment to developing talent within the squad.
“Diana is a good defender. Very confident in facing the opponent and fit to play Police Bullets at any time,” she said, pointing out that her side stuck to the game plan and were lifted by the home support. “Playing at home, you turn like this, the fans and spectators are yours. They are the 12th players.
Not in the pitch, but it gives you morale. We hope to see them in the other matches.” Assistant coach Sharon Kizza of Kampala Queens admitted her side failed to impose their style of play despite putting up a spirited fight.
“We had planned our style of play, which did not work in this game. We were playing the host, and it did not go well. We could not see the back passes,” she said, while insisting that the performance still gave room for optimism. “Our team is equal to the task, but we could not do our bit. In rating the performance of our opponents, I must say they had their way. We always hope for the best, even if it does not come out well. We shall go back to the drawing board and bounce back. 1-0 is not that bad of a loss.”
