CAF Women CL CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers: Valley Warriors Sink CBE Again, March to Historic Final

By Kayiira Jackson 

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC have become only the second Ugandan side to reach the final of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA zonal qualifiers after eliminating defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Women FC with a convincing 3-0 victory.

The Valley Warriors produced another disciplined and clinical performance at Kigali Pele Stadium to book their place in the final, maintaining their unbeaten run in the competition.

On-form forward Jovia Nakagolo opened the scoring in the 17th minute, taking her tally to three goals in three matches.

Nakagolo pounced after Agnes Nabukenya’s aggressive pressing forced a CBE defender into a costly mistake in a dangerous area. The forward made no mistake, producing a poacher’s finish to give Kawempe the lead.

Having already defeated CBE 1-0 in the group stage, Kawempe once again frustrated the Ethiopian champions, who enjoyed some good build-up play from the back but struggled to penetrate the Ugandan defence.

Krusum Namutebi, Nabukenya and defender Sharifah Nakimera stood firm as Kawempe restricted CBE from making meaningful advances into the final third.

The Ugandans went into the break with a 1-0 advantage.

Kawempe doubled their lead just nine minutes after the restart when Tigist Adane Belihu turned the ball into her own net, leaving the Ethiopian side with a mountain to climb.

The second goal gave Kawempe greater confidence as they took control of possession and dictated the tempo of the contest.

Nabukenya then put the result beyond doubt in the 72nd minute, producing a superb looped finish to make it 3-0 and send Kawempe into the final.

The victory sees Kawempe Muslim become the second Ugandan club to reach the final of the CECAFA zonal qualifiers since the CAF Women’s Champions League pathway was introduced in 2021.

She Corporate FC were the first Ugandan side to achieve the feat when they reached the 2022 final. They also defeated CBE 2-1 in that edition.

Kawempe, however, will now have the opportunity to go one step further and secure a place at the CAF Women’s Champions League final tournament.

The Ugandan champions will face either Yei Joint Stars of South Sudan or Kenya’s Police Bullets in the final on 31st August.

Kawempe head into the decisive encounter unbeaten, having established themselves as one of the standout sides in this year’s CECAFA qualifiers.

Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC — Starting XI

Saidah Namwanje (GK), Agnes Nabukenya (C),Cecilia Apiding, Samalie Nakacwa, Anitah Namata, Jovia Nakagolo, Hadija Babirye, Sharifah Nakimera, Latifah Nakasi, Asia Nakibuuka, Krusum Namutebi

Substitutes

Aminah Nakato, Ritah Mushimire, Shakirah Nyiragahirwa, Dorcus Kisakye, Shadia Nabirye, Kevin Nanyunja,Josephine Nambuya (GK), Meble Adong, Zaina Namboozo

Coach- Ayubu Khalifa Kiyingi.

CBE FC — Starting XI

Tarikua Bargena Balcha (GK)©, Kidist Zeleke Daniel,Tigist Adane Belihu, Tarikuna Debiso Yukura, Etsegenet Girma Negash, Emush Daniel Dandamo, Mahelet Mitiku Bekele, Yemrishach Legesse, Bizuayehu Tadesse Ayemeku, Mihret Ayele Abebe, Nardos Getnet Mekonnen.

Substitutes

Abeba Ajibo Afa(GK), Nyayubony Yien Koak, Almenesh Geremew Asefa, Rediet Matios, Senait Bogale Boyozo, Lidiya Eyasu Sorsa, Beshadu Tadese, Hasabu Mugo Gila, Mirkat Feleked Ayale. 

 

Coach: Birhanu Gizaw Heye