Ayub Khalifa backs Kawempe to bounce back in must-win Champions League clash
The Ugandan champions must secure victory to strengthen its chances of reaching the semi-finals after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ghana's Ampem Darkoa Ladies in their previous encounter. Kawempe Muslim Ladies coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi says his players are mentally prepared for their decisive Group B match against USFAS Bamako.
(Photo/Courtesy) In Summary: Kawempe Muslim Ladies must beat Mali's USFAS Bamako to boost their chances of reaching the CAF Women's Champions League semi-finals after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ampem Darkoa Ladies. Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi says his players have regained their confidence and are mentally prepared for Sunday's decisive Group B encounter in Egypt.
Ismailia, Egypt - Kawempe Muslim Ladies coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi believes his players are ready to respond when they face Mali's USFAS Bamako in their final Group B match of the CAF Women's Champions League on Sunday. The Ugandan side must secure victory to strengthen its chances of reaching the semi-finals after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ghana's Ampem Darkoa Ladies in their previous encounter.
Kawempe had opened their campaign withan impressive 3-2 victoryover defending champions AS FAR of Morocco but failed to build on that result against the Ghanaian side. Kiyingi said the team had used its recovery session to help players regain confidence and refocus on the remaining opportunity.
"We had a good recovery session, actually after the loss. We performed poorly, we lost the game, which we actually wanted to win.
We are moving to a Sunday game, which they must win," he said. The coach added that the technical team had prioritised the players' psychological preparation, reminding them that their campaign was far from over.
"Basically, what I was looking at was to bring back their minds, psychologically prepare them, showing them that it's not the end. We still have a game to play, and a game that will actually put us into the semi-final.
So, we've had a very good session, and the response was very positive," he added. Kawempe will face USFAS at Ismailia Stadium in Ismailia, with both sides seeking a place in the competition's semi-finals for the first time.
The Valley Warriors have three points from their opening two matches, while USFAS have endured a difficult campaign, losing 5-1 to Ampem Darkoa before suffering a 6-0 defeat against AS FAR. A win would put the Ugandan representatives in a strong position, although their qualification hopes also depend on the outcome of the other Group B fixture between AS FAR and Ampem Darkoa.