Nabukenya brace fires Kawempe into historic CAF Women's Champions League semis
Agnes Nabukenya scored twice, while Jovia Nakagolo added another goal as the Ugandan side delivered a commanding performance at Ismailia Stadium to secure a place among Africa's final four. Kawempe Muslim Ladies reached their historic qualification for the CAF Women's Champions League semi-finals after beating USFAS Bamako 3-0 on Sunday (Photo/ via @KawempeClub).
CAF Women's Champions League (Group B) Kawempe Muslim Ladies3:0USFAS Bamako Goals: Agnes Nabukenya (23', 71'), Jovia Nakagolo (40') Ismailia, Egypt - Kawempe Muslim Ladies have made history by qualifying for the semi-finals of the CAF Women's Champions League on their debut after thrashing Mali's USFAS Bamako 3-0 in their final Group B match on Sunday. Agnes Nabukenya scored twice, while Jovia Nakagolo added another goal as the Ugandan side delivered a commanding performance at Ismailia Stadium to secure a place among Africa's final four.
The victory took Kawempe to six points from three matches, finishing second in Group B behind defending champions AS FAR Rabat, who also collected six points but topped the group on head-to-head results. Ghana's Ampem Darkoa finished third after also collecting six points.
Kawempe will now face South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals on Wednesday, November 11, in a showdown that will determine whether the Ugandan side can move one step closer to the continental title. The achievement is particularly significant for the CECAFA Zonal champions, who are making their first appearance at the continental competition.
"We are very happy that on our first attempt in the tournament we have made it through to the knock-out stage. We now need to focus on the next stage," coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi said.
Kawempe took control of Sunday's encounter when Nabukenya opened the scoring in the 23rd minute before Nakagolo doubled the advantage in the 40th minute, sending the Ugandan side into the break with a comfortable 2-0 lead. Nabukenya returned after the interval to complete her brace in the 71st minute, sealing a convincing victory and confirming Kawempe's historic qualification.
The Ugandan side had opened its campaign with a memorable 3-2 victory over defending champions AS FAR before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Ampem Darkoa in the second match. They needed a positive result against USFAS to keep their semi-final ambitions alive and responded with their biggest win of the group campaign.
In the other Group B fixture, AS FAR defeated Ampem Darkoa 2-0 to finish top of the group. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak broke the deadlock in the 59th minute before Youssoufi added a second in stoppage time.
Kawempe assured of at least $300,000 Beyond the sporting achievement, qualification for the semi-finals also guarantees Kawempe a significant financial reward. The runners-up are entitled to $400,000, with the champions taking home $600,000.