Kampala Queens moved within touching distance of the FUFA Women’s Cup final after a 2-0 first leg semifinal win over Lady Doves FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo, on Saturday.
The home side controlled long spells of possession in a tightly contested opening half, though clear chances were limited as Lady Doves stayed compact and disciplined.
Just when it looked like the match would go into the break level, Kampala Queens found the breakthrough two minutes before halftime. Catherine Wujja delivered a cross that caused confusion in the box, and Kamiyati Naigaga reacted quickest to the loose ball, lifting it into the net to give the hosts a crucial lead.
Assistant coach Shafic Mutebi highlighted the importance of the timing of that goal, saying, “The first 45 minutes were difficult. I credit Kamiyati for being game-aware, picking up the loose ball and making it count, which somehow disorganised the opponents. Had we gone into halftime goalless, the match would have been much harder in the second half.”
Kampala Queens wasted no time after the restart and doubled their advantage almost immediately. Within seconds of the second half, Joanitah Ainembabazi finished clinically after a well worked move, converting a precise cut back from substitute Peace Muduwa. The goal continued her strong scoring run in the competition and gave the Queens full control of the tie.
Lady Doves tried to respond and pushed forward in search of a way back, but they found Kampala Queens well organised at the back. Goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu made important saves when called upon, while Esther Namusoke and Jamilah Nabulime held firm to secure a clean sheet.
Ainembabazi said after the match, “That’s every forward’s wish — to score in every game when given the opportunity. I want to keep working harder and do even better in the next fixture.”
Kampala Queens now carry a 2-0 advantage into the return leg in Masindi on Wednesday, 17 June, where they will aim to complete the job and secure a historic first appearance in the FUFA Women’s Cup final.
