Kawempe Muslim Ladies Stun Defending Champions in Historic Debut

In a stunning display of resilience, Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies announced their arrival on the continental stage by defeating the defending champions, AS FAR Rabat, in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. The match, held at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt, marked the first-ever appearance for the Ugandan side in the CAF Women’s Champions League, and they wasted no time in making their presence felt against the Moroccan giants.

The contest began with early pressure from the titleholders, as AS FAR took the lead in the sixth minute through a powerful strike from Fatima Tagnaout. Despite the early setback, the Ugandan debutants maintained their composure, eventually finding their rhythm to challenge the reigning champions throughout the high-stakes Group B fixture.

Captain Shakirah Nyinagahirwa played a pivotal role in the comeback, netting a crucial goal to keep her team in contention. However, it was the standout performance of Agnes Nabukenya that ultimately defined the match. Nabukenya delivered a clinical brace, including a dramatic stoppage-time winner in the 94th minute, which sent shockwaves through the tournament and secured a historic three points for the Valley Warriors.

This victory serves as a significant statement of intent for coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi’s squad. By overcoming the tournament favorites, Kawempe Muslim Ladies have positioned themselves as serious contenders for a spot in the knockout stages. The team now looks ahead to their next challenge against Ampem Darkoa, aiming to build on the momentum of this memorable opening-day upset.