Agnes Nabukenya netted twice to lead FUFA Women Super League champions Kawempe Muslim Ladies Football Club, to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Burundi’s PVP Buyenzi in their opening match of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
The game, played on Monday, August 19, at the Abebe Bekila Stadium in Ethiopia, marked a promising start for the Ugandan representatives in this prestigious tournament.
Kawempe head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, named a formidable line-up that included captain Phionah Nabulime, Agnes Nabukenya, goalkeeper Juliet Adeke, Hadija Babirye among others.
The squad also included new signings Shadia Nabirye and Sumaya Nabuto, who were making their debuts with the club.
The match was initially scheduled to kick-off at 11am, but was delayed by heavy rains. It eventually started more than an hour later.
Despite the challenging conditions, Kawempe Muslim Ladies showcased their prowess on the field and secured a memorable win.
The first half saw a balanced contest, with both teams testing each other’s defenses. However, it was Kawempe who drew first blood in the 32nd minute.
Agnes Nabukenya capitalised on a rebound to smash the ball into the net, giving her team a crucial 1-0 lead.
The Valley Warriors maintained their advantage as they headed into the halftime break.
The second half faced another delay due to the unrelenting downpour, but Kawempe remained focused and determined when play resumed.
In the 60th minute, Nabukenya struck again, this time with a stunning free-kick that doubled her team’s lead and effectively sealed the win for the Ugandan side.
This victory is a significant achievement for the five-time FUFA Women Super League champions, who are making their debut at this level of competition.
Kawempe, who are pooled in Group B, also alongside Tanzanian giants Simba Queens and Djibouti’s FAD, will face the former on Wednesday, followed by their final group stage match against the latter on Friday.
Ayub Khalifa’s girls will be aiming to top the group and secure a spot in the final tournament of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
