Kawempe, Amus seize first leg advantage in FUFA Women’s Cup semis

FUFA Women’s Cup 
Semifinals
First leg
Thursday 
Kawempe 1 St. Noa 0
Martyrs 1 Amus 3

Kawempe Muslim Ladies held off intense second-half pressure from St. Noa to secure a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of their FUFA Women’s Cup semi-final on Thursday at the Valley Grounds in Kawempe.

Jovia Nakagolo’s 36th-minute strike proved to be the difference, capping off a dominant first half for the home side. 

Kawempe started strong, controlling possession and creating several chances, with Nakagolo eventually converting to give them a deserved lead at the break.

However, the second half saw a shift in momentum. St. Noa, who had spent much of the first half defending, came out with renewed energy and pressed relentlessly in search of an equaliser.

Kawempe, in response, shifted their approach by falling back to defend their slim advantage and relying on counterattacks.

Brenda Nassaka, Sylvia Kabene, and Patricia Nayiga led St. Noa’s charge, constantly testing Kawempe’s defence, but were unable to break through.

Kawempe’s backline, led by the experienced Samalie Nakacwa and midfielder Agnes Nabukenya, stood firm, providing vital protection for their goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya to help keep the clean sheet.

Despite the narrow loss, St. Noa head coach Jimmy Kintu remained upbeat and confident ahead of the second leg, scheduled for Sunday at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium in Wakiso District.

“We knew it would be tough coming here, Kawempe has experienced players,” said Kintu. “But I am pleased with how we played. It is not a bad result, and I am confident we can overturn it at home.”

On Kawempe's side,  head coach Ayub Khalifah praised his side’s defensive effort but complained about missed opportunities that could have widened the gap in the first half.

“It was a tough match. St. Noa disrupted our wing play, but I am happy we got the goal and defended well,” Khalifah noted. “The return leg will be even harder, but we will prepare well. I believe we can finish the job.”

In the other semi-final first leg, Uganda Martyrs Lubaga hosted Amus College at St. Gerald Grounds in Lubaga.

Amus emerged 3-1 winners, thanks to goals from Eunice Nabwoba, Doreen Aujat, and Shayline Opisa. Latifah Nakasi netted the consolation for the hosts.

The return leg between Amus and Uganda Martyrs is set for Sunday in Mbale City.