Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC made a winning start to their CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers campaign, edging Commercial Bank of Ethiopia FC 1-0 at Kigali Pelé Stadium on Monday.
Agnes Nabukenya’s early penalty proved decisive as Uganda’s champions secured three points in a tightly contested Group B encounter.
The forward stepped up from the spot in the 12th minute after Latifah Nakasi was brought down inside the penalty area. Nabukenya made no mistake, converting from 12 yards to give Kawempe the lead.
The goal settled the Ugandan side, who went on to create several opportunities as they looked to extend their advantage. CBE, however, remained a threat and also fashioned chances of their own before the interval.
Kawempe resumed the second half on the front foot, controlling much of the play and keeping CBE under pressure for long spells. That dominance continued until around the 70th minute, although the Ethiopian side continued to carry an attacking threat whenever they broke forward.
One of Kawempe’s clearest opportunities to double their advantage came when Shadia Nabirye rounded the CBE goalkeeper before setting up Anita Namata. Namata’s effort, however, sailed over the crossbar.
The closing stages brought a welcome return for Shakira Nyinagahirwa, who came on to make her competitive comeback after missing the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League campaign through injury.
Kawempe held firm in the final minutes to secure a valuable three points and begin their zonal campaign on a winning note.
Kawempe head coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi acknowledged the difficulty of the encounter and praised his players for executing their game plan.
‘It was a tough game. They are a team that love to possess the ball, but we closed the spaces well. I thank my girls. This game has given us a good footing going into our final group match.’
The result gives Kawempe an important advantage ahead of their final Group B fixture against FC UJECO of Djibouti on Wednesday, 26 August at Kigali Pelé Stadium.
Kawempe are representing Uganda after winning the 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League, their sixth league title.
