Odemba proud of Police Bullets’ efforts despite semis loss

Kenya Police Bullets coach Beldine Odemba has praised her girls for what she called giving their best, despite losing 2 - 4 to Tanzania's JKT Queens on post-match penalties in the CECAFA Women's Championship qualifiers semi-finals, at the Kasarani Stadium on September 14.

Speaking at a post- match interview, Odemba acknowledged the team's effort despite failing to make it to the finals at the CECAFA Women's Championship.

She stays positive, noting that the loss is a learning experience for the team, to work on their grey areas.

“The girls are still growing, and I know this will help us a lot in the coming league. We've had a good game, better than the previous matches, it’s only that in penalties anyone can take it. So, we are grateful to God for the result,” she remarked.

She however rued the chances her players missed, which she knows would have made the difference.

“We had worked on our attack, but you know games are always different. It shows it is an area we need to work on going forward,” noted Odemba, who also doubles up as the Harambee Starlets coach, admitting that their attack showed deficiencies in finishing the chances they created.

“We need to keep building confidence in the girls, some of them just played at this level for the first time. Losing does not mean all is lost, we have just lost once but there is a lot to take home from the match,” she added.

Police Bullets, who are also the reigning Kenyan champions, were forced to a 1-1 draw by JKT in regulation time, but went on to lose 3-1 in post-match penalties. In the shootout, Emily Kemunto and Leah Cherotich could not convert their spot kicks, with only Mary Kilonzi netting for Police.

JKT were more clinical, with Winifrida Gerald, Alia Fikiri and Donisia Minja all scoring to, secure their place in the final.

The results extinguished Police Bullets’ dream of taking the cup. Their impressive run in the tournament put them at the top of Group A with nine points earlier in the competition.

The team will now miss a chance to represent the CECAFA region at the CAF Women’s Champions League later this year, this being the second time Police Bullets fail to make it to the CECAFA finals.

Police Bullets will now play Kampala Queens of Uganda in the third-place playoff on Sunday, before the final pitting JKT and Rayon Sports of Rwanda.