Kenya Police Bullets' coaches Beldine Odemba and Lawrence Suji at Nyayo Stadium/ CHARLENE MALWA Bullets require at least a point to advance. Suji said they will not look down on their opponents, who have yet to register a win in the tournament so far.
“We are not underestimating anyone. All the teams here are champions in their own right, so we respect them,” Suji said. “You take each game as it comes, and for us, the bigger picture is to get the trophy.”
Bullets began their campaign with a 1-0 victory over Kampala Queens last week, courtesy of Emily Moranga’s instant impact after coming off the bench, before watching Kampala redeem themselves with a 7-0 thrashing of Denden on Sunday.
That result leaves the Ugandan champions top of the standings with three points, beating Bullets on goal difference, while Denden are bottom of the log with no points.
Suji counts on the fans to motivate the players. “Home support makes a difference,” Suji said. “The 12th player gives us morale, and we call on them to keep coming. It (their presence) pushes the players in critical moments.”
Defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) top Group 'B' with three points after edging Rayon Sports WFC 1-0 in the opening game, while Burundi’s Top Girls Academy are on one point after holding Rayon to a goalless draw.
Top Girls face CBE in their second match on Thursday afternoon.
Group C remains open after JKT Queens of Tanzania beat Zanzibar’s JKU Princess 2-0 on Friday to move to the top with three points, with South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars still to make their debut.
The group matches continue with Yei taking on JKT on Thursday afternoon.
The top team from each group will advance to the semis alongside the best losing side. The semis are due on Sunday at Ulinzi Sports Complex, with the final set for September 16 at Nyayo Stadium. The winner will secure CECAFA’s sole ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League finals in Egypt in November.
