•Odemba is happy to have stopped the free-scoring Simba and now focuses on Thursday’s final, bearing in mind the Ethiopian beauties beat them 2-1 in their Group ‘A’ clash.
•Meanwhile, CBE will be eyeing revenge after falling to Vihiga Queens 2-1 in the 2021 finals at Kasarani Stadium.
Image: HANDOUT
Beldine Odemba, arguably Kenya's most decorated female coach, is 90 minutes away from another milestone after leading Police Bullets to the Cecafa Zonal Caf Women’s finals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Bullets overcame Simba Queens 3-2 in the semifinal on Monday to book a date with hosts Central Bank of Ethiopia FC in the final. The hosts beat Ugandan side Kawempe Muslims 2-1 in the second semis in Addis Ababa.
Lucy Kwekwe opened the scores for Bullets in the 29th minute before Kenyan international Corazon Aquino equalised for Simba 10 minutes later.
Aquino completed her brace in the 56th minute. Diana Wacera levelled matters in the 61st minute before Becky Okwaro capitalised on a defensive lapse to break the hearts of the Dar-es-salaam-based side with an 83rd-minute winner.
Odemba, who doubles up as Harambee Starlets' head coach, says her girls were geared up for the semis as they faced familiar faces in Kenyan internationals Corazon Aquino, Caroline Rufa and Jentrix Shikangwa among others who play for the Tanzanian outfit.
Odemba is happy to have stopped the free-scoring Simba and now focuses on Thursday’s final, bearing in mind the Ethiopian beauties beat them 2-1 in their Group ‘A’ clash.
“We had a good training session after the tough semifinal, but we have some small knocks and we are hoping to recover ahead of the finals,” she said.
Odemba won the FKF Women's Premier League before leading Highway Secondary School to the Kenya Secondary School Games football title this month.
“We have to work on our defence because we have conceded four goals in the last two games. Our striking force led by Rebecca Okwaro, must deliver early goals to ensure they control the game,” she noted.
Meanwhile, CBE will be eyeing revenge after falling to Vihiga Queens 2-1 in the 2021 finals at Kasarani Stadium.
The Police Bullets’ executive chairman Nyale Munga has termed their win as a marvellous display of fine talent ahead of Thursday's final.
“We are now East Africa powerhouse and nothing will stop our quest for major glory. We want to appeal to Kenyans working in Addis to turn up and cheer our girls," said Nyale.
At stake are the Cecafa region bragging rights and the Caf Women’s Champions League ticket.