Kawempe eye Champions League ticket after reaching CECAFA final
The Ugandan champions booked their place in Monday’s final with a convincing 3-0 victory over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in Saturday’s semi-final at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Kawempe Muslim's Latifah Nakasi (right) vies for possession against Ethiopia's CBE at the Kigali Pele Stadium on Saturday. (Courtesy photo)
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Kawempe Muslim Ladies are one win away from securing East Africa’s sole ticket to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League final tournament after reaching the final of the CECAFA qualifiers.
The Ugandan champions booked their place in Monday’s final with a convincing 3-0 victory over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) in Saturday’s semi-final at Kigali Pele Stadium.
Jovia Nakagolo opened the scoring in the 18th minute before an own goal from CBE defender Tigist Adane doubled Kawempe’s advantage. Captain Agnes Nabukenya completed the victory in the 70th minute.
The victory was also sweet revenge for Kawempe, who were eliminated by CBE at the same stage two years ago.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi has now shifted his focus to Monday’s final, with the Champions League ticket the main target.
“We are very happy to reach the final after winning all our matches, but our focus is now on the Champions League ticket, which is the main target for us,” Kiyingi said.
Kawempe will face Kenya Police Bullets after the Kenyan side defeated Yei Joint Stars 5-0 in the other semi-final.
“We have defended well and scored many goals, but against Kenya Police we must remain focused, play together and make sure we use our chances,” Kiyingi said.
Kawempe have been outstanding so far, winning all three matches and scoring 12 goals without conceding.
They started with a 1-0 victory over CBE before thrashing FC UJECO 8-0 in the group phase. They then completed another dominant performance against CBE in the semi-final.
The unbeaten run has been built around a solid defence, with goalkeeper Saidah Namwanje yet to concede in the competition.
However, Kiyingi believes reaching the final is only part of the job and wants his players to improve their finishing and concentration.
“We need to improve our finishing and concentration in the final because Kenya Police are a strong side, and small mistakes could determine who takes the ticket,” Kiyingi said.
Kawempe will look to Nakagolo, who has already scored four goals, and captain Nabukenya, who has also played a key role in the campaign.
They beat 2022 champions Simba Queens 2-1 in their opening game before defeating Burundi’s Top Girls Academy 3-1 and Yei Joint Stars 5-0 in the semi-final.
A victory on Monday would send the Ugandan champions to the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League final tournament for the first time.
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Monday’s matches
Third-place play-off
CBE v Yei Joint Stars, 1 pm
Final
Kenya Police Bullets v Kawempe Muslim, 4 pm