Sports
Historic CAF Women's Champions League final spot at stake for Kawempe
It is undoubtedly Kawempe's toughest test yet, against one of the tournament favourites. However, the Ugandans will draw confidence from their impressive 3-2 victory over defending champions AS FAR of Morocco in their opening group match.
Kawempe booked their place in the last four after finishing second in Group B with six points.
By: Yekoyada Saaka, Journalist @New Vision
CAF Women's Champions League Semifinals
AS FAR v Lekie (3 pm)
Mamelodi Sundowns v Kawempe (6 pm)
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC will be chasing more history when they take on two-time CAF Women's Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns in Wednesday's semifinal at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt.
Having become the first Ugandan women's club to reach the group stage of the competition, the CECAFA champions are now targeting an even bigger milestone: eliminating the South African giants and becoming the first team from the region to reach the final.
It is undoubtedly Kawempe's toughest test yet, against one of the tournament favourites. However, the Ugandans will draw confidence from their impressive 3-2 victory over defending champions AS FAR of Morocco in their opening group match.
Kawempe booked their place in the last four after finishing second in Group B with six points.
They registered victories over AS FAR (3-2) and USFAS Bamako (3-0), with their only setback being a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Much of their attacking threat has revolved around leading scorer Agnes Nabukenya, who has netted four goals in three matches, including braces against AS FAR and USFAS Bamako.
Her finishing ability, alongside the contributions of Jovia Nakagolo, Latifah Nakasi, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and Shadia Nabirye, gives Kawempe reason to believe they can trouble a Sundowns defence that topped Group A with seven points.
At the back, Aisha Nakibuuka's experience has been instrumental in organising the defence, although goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya will need to improve her consistency after some uncomfortable moments in the group stage
Kawempe booked their place in the last four after finishing second in Group B with six points.
They registered victories over AS FAR (3-2) and USFAS Bamako (3-0), with their only setback being a narrow 2-1 defeat to Ghanaian champions Ampem Darkoa Ladies.
Much of their attacking threat has revolved around leading scorer Agnes Nabukenya, who has netted four goals in three matches, including braces against AS FAR and USFAS Bamako.
Her finishing ability, alongside the contributions of Jovia Nakagolo, Latifah Nakasi, Shakirah Nyinagahirwa and Shadia Nabirye, gives Kawempe reason to believe they can trouble a Sundowns defence that topped Group A with seven points.
At the back, Aisha Nakibuuka's experience has been instrumental in organising the defence, although goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya will need to improve her consistency after some uncomfortable moments in the group stage
However, she has also produced important saves to keep her side in contention.
Kawempe coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi acknowledges the challenge posed by Sundowns but insists his players have the belief and determination to cause an upset.
“It is a big test to play against Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, another champion, a team I know is very strong and has taken this trophy two times. But as Kawempe, we are ready for any opponent, and we are going to find a way of beating them,” vowed Kiyingi.
Assistant captain Sharifah Nakimera echoed her coach's confidence, insisting the team is well prepared for the encounter.
“As players, we are very ready. We know that we are facing a tough team, but the coaches have prepared us well, and we believe that we will win this semifinal,” Nakimera said.
Victory would put Kawempe on course to achieve what Tanzania's Simba Queens failed to accomplish two seasons ago, when they fell at the semifinal stage. It would also secure Uganda a historic first appearance in the competition's final.
In the other semifinal, Morocco's AS FAR will face Cameroon's Lekie Football Girls. Lekie finished second in Group A, while AS FAR topped Group B with six points, edging Kawempe on goal difference after recovering from their opening defeat.
Kawempe coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi acknowledges the challenge posed by Sundowns but insists his players have the belief and determination to cause an upset.
“It is a big test to play against Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa, another champion, a team I know is very strong and has taken this trophy two times. But as Kawempe, we are ready for any opponent, and we are going to find a way of beating them,” vowed Kiyingi.
Assistant captain Sharifah Nakimera echoed her coach's confidence, insisting the team is well prepared for the encounter.
“As players, we are very ready. We know that we are facing a tough team, but the coaches have prepared us well, and we believe that we will win this semifinal,” Nakimera said.
Victory would put Kawempe on course to achieve what Tanzania's Simba Queens failed to accomplish two seasons ago, when they fell at the semifinal stage. It would also secure Uganda a historic first appearance in the competition's final.
In the other semifinal, Morocco's AS FAR will face Cameroon's Lekie Football Girls. Lekie finished second in Group A, while AS FAR topped Group B with six points, edging Kawempe on goal difference after recovering from their opening defeat.