Kawempe Muslim must beat regional powerhouse Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) for a second time in Kigali, Rwanda if they are to reach their first-ever Caf Women’s Champions League Cecafa Qualifiers final.
The semi-final line-up was confirmed on Wednesday evening after Kenya Police Bullets defeated Burundi’s Top Girls Academy 3-1 at Kigali Pelé Stadium to leapfrog Tanzania’s Simba Queens and top Group C, joining South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars and Kawempe as group winners.
The Valley Warriors booked their semi-final slot by beating CBE 1-0 in their opener on Monday courtesy of an 11th-minute penalty from Agnes Nabukenya.
Kawempe then showed more intent on Wednesday with an 8-0 demolition of Djibouti’s UJECO.
An own goal by Nesima Elemo in the 14th minute opened the floodgates against before braces from Jovia Nakagolo and Latifah Nakasi and strikes from Samalie Nakacwa, Nabukenya, and new signing Cecilia Apiding an expected victory.
Coach Ayub Khalifa made four changes to the side that faced CBE – with goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya, defender Ritah Mushimire, midfielders Dorcus Kisakye and Shakirah Nyinagahirwa starting ahead of Saidah Namwanje, Sharifah Nakimera, Krusum Namutebi, and Anitah Namata respectively – yet Kawempe remained in total control.
“The game was very good. As the team and technical staff, we have already shifted our focus and preparations to the semi-final to ensure we win that match,” captain Nyinagahirwa said in her first competitive start in a long while.
Khalifa was equally pleased with his side’s execution: “The players played exactly the way we wanted. We needed the win, and tactically, they delivered a very good performance. We have qualified with maximum points, and our single focus now is reaching this year’s final.”
However, the task ahead grows steeper.
Group A featured four teams while Groups B and C had three. Tournament regulations dictated that results against Group A’s fourth-placed side (Eritrea’s Denden) were discounted to rank the runners-up. This left CBE on three points with a +10 goal difference, edging out hosts Rayon Sports (two points) to advance as the best second-placed team.
With the top sides of Group A and C facing each other, Kawempe are left to re-play CBE.
CBE ejected Kawempe in the semis to triumph in Ethiopia in 2024 and there was also barely anything in their meeting on Monday to suggest the semi will be an easy game for either side.
Kawempe’s targeted press choked CBE’s possession-hogging midfield. But CBE, who matched Kawempe’s physicality will undoubtedly adjust their strategy as they seek redemption.
A dream final remains on the line for Kawempe, but they must first bypass one of the most experienced sides in the region to get there.
Caf Women’s Champions League Cecafa Qualifiers
Semi-finals – Saturday, Kigali Pelé Stadium
Kawempe Muslim (Uganda) vs. CBE (Ethiopia), 2pm
Yei Joint Stars (South Sudan) vs Kenya Police Bullets, 5pm
Group Results
Group A
Yei Joint Stars (South Sudan) 3-0 Denden (Eritrea)
Rayon Sports (Rwanda) 0-0 Mafunzo (Zanzibar)
Denden 0-3 Rayon Sports
Mafunzo 0-1 Yei Joint Stars
Tuesday: Mafunzo 9-0 Denden, 1pm
Rayon Sport 1-1 Yei Joint Stars, 3pm
Group B
CBE (Ethiopia) 11-0 UJECO (Djibouti)
Kawempe Muslim 1-0 CBE
Wednesday: Ujeco 0-8 Kawempe Muslim
Group C
Simba Queens (Tanzania) 2-0 Top Girls Academy (Burundi)
Kenya Police Bullets 2-1 Simba Queens
Wednesday: Top Girls 1-3 Kenya Police Bullets