Kawempe Muslim Ladies are one victory away from making history as they prepare to face two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League in Egypt on Wednesday, November 11.
The Ugandan champions will take on the South African giants at the Suez Canal Stadium in Ismailia, with kick-off scheduled for 6:00pm Ugandan time, hoping to become the first East African club to reach the competition’s final.
Kawempe have enjoyed an impressive debut campaign, finishing second in Group B with six points after recording victories over Morocco’s AS FAR (3-2) and Mali’s USFAS Bamako (3-0), with their only defeat coming against Ghana’s Ampem Darkoa (2-1).
Their 3-0 victory over USFAS Bamako in their final group match secured qualification for the semi-finals and marked the biggest victory ever recorded by an East African club at the tournament.
Forward Agnes Nabukenya has been central to Kawempe’s impressive run, scoring four goals to become the highest-scoring player representing an East African club in the competition’s history.
Nabukenya scored twice against USFAS Bamako, becoming the first player from an East African club to register two braces at the CAF Women’s Champions League finals. Three of her four goals have come in the second half.
She also registered 14 shots, four on target, against USFAS Bamako, the highest figures by any player in that match.
Jovia Nakagolo has also contributed to Kawempe’s attacking threat, scoring her first tournament goal against USFAS Bamako after previously providing an assist against Ampem Darkoa. Midfielder Asia Nakibuuka has equally impressed, winning 11 of the 14 duels she contested in the same match.
Kawempe have scored in all three group matches, becoming the first East African club to find the net in every group-stage match at a single edition of the competition. Their attacking performances will give them confidence heading into Wednesday’s encounter.
Goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya will also be an important figure as Kawempe seek to contain the experienced Sundowns attack.
However, the Ugandans face a formidable opponent in Sundowns, who topped Group A with seven points after victories over Lekié Football Filles (2-1) and FUS Rabat (3-0), alongside a goalless draw against FC Masar.
The South Africans are targeting a third continental title, having won the competition in 2021 and 2023 and finished runners-up in 2022.
They have reached the semi-finals for the fourth time and progressed to the final in all three previous appearances.
Sundowns also boast an impressive record against East African opposition, having won all four previous encounters without conceding a goal.
Their victories include wins over Kenya’s Vihiga Queens, Tanzania’s Simba Queens and JKT Queens, and Ethiopia’s Commercial Bank of Ethiopia.
Goalkeeper Andile Dlamini remains one of their biggest strengths, having made 19 appearances at the finals and recorded 16 clean sheets, the second-highest total in the competition’s history.
Despite Sundowns’ experience and impressive record, Kawempe have an opportunity to rewrite East African football history. A victory would not only secure Uganda a place in the final but also make Kawempe the first club from the East African region to achieve that milestone.
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