Uganda’s maiden appearance at the CAF Women’s Champions League came to an end on Wednesday after Kawempe Muslim Ladies were knocked out by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, who registered a convincing 4-1 victory in the semi-final. Despite the disappointment, Kawempe made history as the first Ugandan club to compete in the prestigious continental tournament, marking a significant milestone for women’s football in the country.
The Ugandan champions struggled to contain Sundowns, who capitalised on their opportunities to secure a commanding victory and book their place in the final. The result ended Kawempe’s hopes of becoming the first Ugandan side to reach the championship showdown, bringing their remarkable continental journey to a close.
Although their campaign ended at the semi-final stage, Kawempe’s historic qualification and participation represent a major breakthrough for Ugandan club football. Their maiden appearance provided valuable continental exposure and placed Uganda on the map of Africa’s elite women’s club competition, offering an important platform for the growth of the domestic game.
Sundowns will now face defending champions AS FAR of Morocco in the final after the North Africans edged Cameroon’s Lekié FF 1-0 through a 48th-minute goal from captain Ghizlane Chebbak. The Moroccan side will be targeting another continental crown as they prepare for their fourth final appearance in the competition.
Kawempe’s tournament journey is not entirely over, as they will return to action against Lekié FF in the third-place play-off on November 14 at Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt. The Ugandan side will be fighting to finish their historic campaign on a high, with third place carrying a USD 350,000 reward, while the fourth-placed team takes home USD 300,000.
Photo: Cafmedia
