CAF Women’s CL: Kampala Queens drawn in Group A

Uganda’s champions, Kampala Queens, have been drawn into Group A of the 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.

Under the guidance of former Ethiopian women’s national team tactician Asefa Firew Hailegebreal, the Queens of Soccer are set to face Kenya Police Bullets FC and Eritrean debutants Denden SC in the group stage.

The qualifiers will take place from September 4 to 16, 2025, at Nyayo Stadium and Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, Kenya.

The official draw was conducted in Nairobi on Tuesday afternoon by CECAFA Competitions Manager Yusuf Mossi, with support from Harambee Starlets legend Esse Mbeyu Akida and FKF Women’s Football representative Kerubo Momanyi. Group B features defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) FC, alongside Rayon Sports WFC from Rwanda and Top Girls Academy from Burundi. Group C includes 2021 champions JKT Queens of Tanzania, Yei Joint Stars from South Sudan, and JKU Princess FC representing Zanzibar.

Only the top team from each group, along with the best second-placed side, will progress to the semi-finals. The overall winner will earn the CECAFA region’s ticket to the CAF Women’s Champions League 2025.

CECAFA has scheduled the tournament to conclude before September 18 to ensure players are available for their national teams ahead of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers.

In a bid to strengthen their squad, Kampala Queens have made several key signings. Ethiopian duo Amedu Meadin Sahilu and Tone Turist Lema have joined the club, alongside rising Ugandan talents Jolly Kobusinge from Kawempe Muslim Ladies, Catherine Wujja from Rines SS WFC, and Amangat Marrion from Olila High School WFC.

Former Kickstart FC Karnataka midfielder Joanitah Ainembabazi has signed a two-year deal, while core players Jamirah Nabulime and Catherine Nagadya have renewed their contracts, with Nagadya committed until 2027.

On the departure front, Zaina Nandede has moved to Simba Queens in Tanzania. Goalkeeper Daisy Nakaziro and captain Shamirah Nalugya have also exited, with Nalugya securing a move to FC Minsk in Belarus.

As part of their preparations, Kampala Queens played two friendly matches, suffering a 4–1 defeat to Msingi Soccer Academy boys before bouncing back with a commanding 7–1 victory over UCU Lady Cardinals.

Groups 

Group A: Kenya Police Bullets, Denden SC, Kampala Queens

Group B: CBE, Top Geirls Academy FC, Rayon Sports WFC

Group C: JKT Queens FC, Yei Joint Stars FC, JKU Princess FC