CAF Women CL CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers: Nabukenya Leads Kawempe Muslim to Important Victory against Defending Champions
By Kayiira Jackson
Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC made a dream start to their 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Women FC at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda on Monday.
Captain Agnes Nabukenya emerged the heroine for the Ugandan champions, converting a penalty in the 12th minute to hand Kawempe all three points in what had been billed as the toughest fixture in Group B.
The Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League champions started brightly and carried an attacking threat throughout the contest. New signings Cecilia Apiding, Latifah Nakasi and Jovia Nakagolo constantly troubled the Ethiopian defence, while Nabukenya, Anitah Namata and Krusoom Namutebi were influential both in breaking up opposition attacks and launching forward moves.
Despite creating several opportunities to extend their lead, Kawempe failed to capitalize, with Nakasi and Namata missing good chances late in the game. However, the Valley Warriors remained resolute at the back to preserve the slender advantage until the final whistle.
The victory is a significant statement from Kawempe, considering CBE entered the match on the back of an emphatic 11-0 victory over Djibouti’s FC UJECO in their opening fixture.
Head-to-Head: Kawempe Finally Get Revenge
The result also saw Kawempe gain revenge against the Ethiopian side, who defeated them 2-1 in the semi-finals of the 2024 CECAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers before going on to win the regional title.
Monday’s victory therefore marked Kawempe’s first competitive win over Commercial Bank of Ethiopia in the regional championship.
With only three teams in Group B, the win puts Kawempe in pole position to reach the semi-finals. The Ugandan representatives will now turn their attention to FC UJECO of Djibouti, whom they face next. UJECO suffered an 11-0 defeat to CBE in their opening match, leaving them bottom of the group.
Other Result
Group C
– Kenya Police Bullets (Kenya) 2-1 Simba Queens (Tanzania) – played on Monday in Kigali.
Kawempe’s victory gives Uganda an early boost in the regional tournament as they edge closer to securing a place in the knockout stage and keeping alive hopes of qualifying for the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League finals.