Police Bullets draw Simba Queens in CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA qualifiers

Kenya Police Bullets will renew their quest for a historic CAF Women's Champions League berth after being drawn in Group C of the 2026 CECAFA Qualifiers, where they will face Tanzanian giants Simba Queens and Burundi's Top Girls in Kigali, Rwanda.

The regional qualifiers, scheduled for August 21 to 31, will bring together 10 champion clubs from across the CECAFA region, with only the tournament winner securing qualification to the CAF Women's Champions League finals.

For Kenya Police Bullets, this marks a third consecutive appearance in the competition, having consistently established themselves among the region's top women's clubs.

Their previous two campaigns have seen them reach the knockout stages, only to narrowly miss out on the coveted continental ticket.

The Bullets came closest in 2024 when they finished runners-up after progressing from a challenging group in Addis Ababa.

They produced one of the tournament's standout performances by edging Simba Queens 3-2 in the semifinals before suffering a heartbreaking 1-0 defeat to hosts Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, who scored a late winner to deny the Kenyans a maiden continental appearance.

A year later, while hosting the qualifiers in Nairobi, Kenya Police Bullets topped their group with victories over Kampala Queens and Denden Women FC.

However, their title hopes ended in the semifinals after a penalty shootout loss to Tanzania's JKT Queens following a 1-1 draw. They recovered to defeat Kampala Queens 1-0 in the third-place playoff and claim the bronze medal.

Their latest draw presents another stern examination, particularly against familiar rivals Simba Queens, whom they defeated en route to the 2024 final. Top Girls complete a competitive Group C that promises little margin for error.

The 2026 tournament also features Rayon Sports, Yes Joint Stars, Mafunzo Queens and Denden Women in Group A, while Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Kawempe Muslim Ladies and FC Ujeco make up Group B.

Having twice fallen agonisingly short, Kenya Police Bullets will hope their third attempt finally delivers the breakthrough to Africa's premier women's club competition.