Kawempe eye CAF Women's Champions League final

CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers

Saturday

Semi finals

CBE v Kawempe Muslim 1pm

Kenya Bullets v Yei Joints 4pm

 
Kawempe Muslim Ladies captain Shakira Nyinagahirwa says her team is ready to face defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in the semi-finals of the CAF Women's Champions League CECAFA qualifiers on Saturday in Kigali, Rwanda.

Kawempe reached the semi-finals after winning both Group B games, scoring nine goals without conceding.

They beat CBE 1-0 in their opening game before thrashing Djibouti's FC UJECO 8-0 on Wednesday.

Nyinagahirwa, who returned from a long-term injury, says the team wants to go further than its third-place finish in the 2024 qualifiers.

"We finished third in 2024 and this time we are determined to win the Cup," Nyinagahirwa said.

"Last time we tried and failed to win the trophy, but this time we are determined and prepared to go all the way."

The captain says the team will now focus on preparing for another tough game against CBE.

"We go back to the drawing board to prepare for the semi-final stage because we are determined to perform better than our third-place finish in 2024," she said.

Kawempe already has confidence from beating CBE in the group stage. Agnes Nabukenya scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 12th minute after Latifah Nakasi was brought down in the box.

Against UJECO, Kawempe showed their attacking strength, with Jovia Nakagolo and Nakasi scoring twice each in the 8-0 victory.

CBE, however, remains a dangerous opponent. The Ethiopian side opened the tournament with an 11-0 win over UJECO and will be hoping to avenge their defeat to Kawempe.

Kawempe will therefore have to maintain the defensive discipline and attacking form that carried them through the group stage.

The other semi-final will see Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan face Kenya Police Bullets.

The semi-finals will be played on Saturday, followed by the third-place play-off and final on Monday.

The winner of the tournament will earn East Africa's place at the 2026 CAF Women's Champions League finals.