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Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Uganda’s representatives to the CECAFA Women’s Champions League zonal qualifiers; Kawempe Muslims have set a new record for the highest number of goals scored in a single match at the ongoing zonal qualifiers.
The Kawempe-based club delivered a resounding 10-0 victory over Djibouti’s FAD FC in their Group B encounter at the ongoing 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA qualifiers.
The win secured Kawempe a spot in the semifinal stage, which is scheduled to begin on Monday at the Abebe Bikila Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The team went into the match determined to overturn their previous day’s 3-0 loss to giants Simba Queens, knowing that a victory would propel them into the semifinals.
Striker Hadija Nandago was the star of the match, netting five goals to lead Kawempe Muslim Ladies to a dominant victory. Her performance was a strong response to her missed opportunities in the previous match against Simba Queens, where two clear chances went begging.
Kawempe took the lead in the 11th minute through Shadia Nabirye, with Nandago doubling the advantage just 11 minutes later.
Nabirye and Nandago each added another goal, giving their team a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.
The second half saw FAD FC concede a penalty due to a handball in the box, and Nandago confidently converted the spot-kick, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way. The prolific forward then added two more goals to her tally, while substitutes Halimah Kampi, Rebecca Nakato, and Mary Kabacurezi also found the back of the net.
“I am very happy to score so many goals today and to help my team qualify for the semifinals,” said a delighted Nandago after the match.
Kawempe Muslim Ladies’ coach, Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi, praised his players for their hard work and focus, which led to the impressive scoreline. “We now need to prepare well for the knockout stage, and my players will be ready,” Kiyingi added.
Kawempe has joined Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Simba Queens, and Kenya Police Bullets WFC in the semifinals, which will kick off on Monday.
As Kawempe prepares for the knockout stage, they will be mindful of the challenges faced by previous Ugandan teams in the zonal qualifiers, where none have managed to reach the continental finals.
Lady Doves were halted in the semifinals in 2021, She Corporates lost to Simba Queens in the 2022 final, and Kampala Queens failed to progress past the semifinals last year.
Only the winner of the CECAFA tournament will advance to the CAF Women’s Champions League, joining seven other clubs from different zones across Africa.
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