Uganda’s Kawempe Muslim Ladies have reached the semi-finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League for the first time after beating Mali’s USFAS Bamako 3–0 in their final Group B match in Egypt on Sunday.
Agnes Nabukenya scored twice and Jovia Nakagolo added the other goal as Kawempe secured second place in the group, completing a remarkable campaign that has already included a victory over defending champions AS FAR.
The result, confirmed in the Confederation of African Football’s official report, sets up a semi-final meeting with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday, 11 November.
Three goals secure a historic place
Kawempe entered the final group fixture needing a strong performance to keep their qualification hopes alive. They had beaten AS FAR 3–2 in their opening game before losing 2–1 to Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa, leaving the final round of matches crucial.
Against USFAS Bamako, the Ugandan side took control early. Nabukenya opened the scoring in the 23rd minute and Nakagolo doubled the advantage in the 39th, giving Kawempe a two-goal cushion at half-time.
Nabukenya completed her double in the 71st minute, removing any lingering doubt about the outcome. The clean sheet also represented a notable improvement after Kawempe had conceded in both of their opening group matches.
The 3–0 win gave the Ugandan team two victories in three group fixtures and a place among the competition’s final four.
AS FAR take top spot
In the other Group B match, Morocco’s AS FAR defeated Ampem Darkoa 2–0 to finish first. Captain Ghizlane Chebbak broke the deadlock in the 59th minute before Youssoufi scored in second-half stoppage time.
That result settled the group standings and confirmed the semi-final pairings. AS FAR will face Cameroon’s Lekié Football Filles, while Kawempe meet Mamelodi Sundowns.
The draw presents Kawempe with another demanding assignment. Sundowns are among the continent’s established women’s club football powers, having won the competition in 2021 and 2023. But Kawempe’s opening victory against AS FAR has already demonstrated their capacity to compete against experienced opponents.
Why the result matters for Ugandan football
Kawempe’s qualification is significant beyond the club itself. It provides an important moment of visibility for women’s football in Uganda and shows that clubs outside the competition’s traditional centres of strength can progress deep into a continental tournament.
According to CAF’s pre-match statistical briefing, Tanzania’s Simba Queens had been the only East African side to reach the semi-finals before this edition, doing so in 2022. Kawempe now join that small group.
Continental participation can expose players to stronger competition, attract attention to domestic leagues and provide clubs with a clearer picture of the standards required at the highest level. Sustaining that progress, however, depends on investment in coaching, facilities, player development and reliable domestic competition.
The challenge ahead
Kawempe’s route to the semi-finals has included contrasting performances: a surprise victory over AS FAR, a narrow defeat to Ampem Darkoa and a convincing final-group win over USFAS Bamako.
That sequence offers grounds for optimism, but the semi-final will test their ability to defend consistently and create chances against another experienced opponent. Nabukenya’s finishing and Nakagolo’s contribution provide attacking encouragement, while the clean sheet against USFAS suggests the side can improve its defensive organisation.
The competition continues in Ismailia, Egypt, with the final scheduled for 15 November. For Kawempe, the immediate focus is Wednesday’s encounter with Sundowns. Whatever happens next, the club has already secured a landmark achievement for Ugandan women’s football.
Sources: CAF qualification report, 8 November 2026; CAF group-stage statistics; CAF tournament information.
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