Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC made history at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League on Monday, coming from behind to defeat defending champions AS FAR 3-2 in a thrilling Group B opener at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt.
The Ugandan champions, representing both Uganda and the CECAFA region, produced a spirited second-half performance to become the first Ugandan club to defeat the reigning African champions in the competition.
Agnes Nabukenya scored twice, including a dramatic late winner, while captain Shakirah Nyinagahirwa also found the net to complete a memorable comeback.
AS FAR took the lead in the sixth minute when Fatima Tagnout curled a fine effort into the net from outside the penalty area.
Kawempe returned from the break with renewed purpose and drew level eight minutes into the second half. Nabukenya received a pass from Nyinagahirwa, controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful low shot into the far corner.
The Ugandan side completed the turnaround six minutes later through Nyinagahirwa. The captain made a well-timed run into the penalty area, controlled the ball with her first touch and fired past the goalkeeper from a tight angle to put Kawempe ahead.
AS FAR responded through substitute Nadia El Madani, who converted from the penalty spot after goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya brought down Nadia Lafta inside the box.
With the scores level, both sides pushed for a winner. Hadijah Babirye came close for Kawempe but was denied by the goalkeeper, while substitute Anitah Namata saw her effort hit the side netting.
Nambuya kept Kawempe in the contest at the other end, producing an excellent one-on-one save to deny Lafta as AS FAR threatened to regain the lead.
Kawempe also showed defensive resilience, with Babirye making a crucial goal-line clearance after Nambuya had been beaten.
The decisive moment arrived in the dying minutes when Latifah Nakasi played Nabukenya through on goal. The forward kept her composure and calmly slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to complete her brace and seal a stunning 3-2 victory.
The final whistle sparked celebrations among the Kawempe players and supporters as the Ugandan champions secured all three points against one of Africa’s most established women’s clubs.
The result marks a significant milestone for Ugandan women’s club football and gives Kawempe an impressive start to their maiden CAF Women’s Champions League campaign.
Kawempe will return to action on Thursday, 5th November, when they face Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies in their second Group B match, seeking another positive result as they pursue a place in the knockout stages.
