CAFWCL: Nabukenya Brace Fires Kawempe to Historic Comeback Victory Over Defending Champions AS FAR

Monday, November 2
AS FAR 2-3 Kawempe Muslim

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Agnes Nabukenya and Shakirah Nyinagahirwa inspired Kawempe Muslim to a historic comeback victory over defending champions AS FAR in their maiden CAF Women’s Champions League campaign on Monday.

In a thrilling encounter played at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt, Nabukenya scored twice, while Nyinagahirwa added another goal as the Ugandan champions stunned the Moroccan giants with a 3-2 victory in their opening Group Stage encounter.

AS FAR, who are the reigning champions of Africa, took an early lead in the sixth minute through their experienced forward Fatima Tagnout, who curled the ball into the net from outside the box.

However, Kawempe refused to surrender and found the equaliser eight minutes into the second half through Nabukenya.

The forward received a pass from captain Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, controlled the ball before unleashing a powerful low effort into the far corner to beat the goalkeeper and restore parity.

Just six minutes later, Nyinagahirwa completed the turnaround after making a brilliant run into the box. She controlled the ball with an excellent first touch before firing a powerful shot past the goalkeeper from a tight angle to put Kawempe ahead.

Having taken the lead, Kawempe needed to remain composed, control the tempo of the game and possibly extend their advantage. However, their continued search for a third goal left them exposed at the back.

AS FAR capitalised on a counterattack, with Nadia Lafta brought down inside the penalty area by goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya, prompting the referee to point to the spot.

Substitute Nadia El Madani stepped up and sent the ball into the left corner. Although Nambuya guessed the right direction, she was unable to keep out the effort as the Moroccan side restored parity.

Kawempe pushed for another goal, with Hadijah Babirye and substitute Anitah Namata both coming close. Babirye was denied by the goalkeeper, while Namata’s effort struck the side netting.

At the other end, AS FAR nearly regained the lead through Nadia Lafta, but Nambuya produced an excellent save in a one-on-one situation to keep Kawempe in the contest.

The Moroccan giants continued to search for a winner, but Kawempe also had Babirye to thank after she produced a crucial goal-line clearance when Nambuya had already been beaten.

The decisive moment arrived in the dying minutes when Nabukenya struck again to complete a remarkable comeback and hand Kawempe a historic victory over Africa’s defending champions.

Latifah Nakasi released Nabukenya, who kept her composure before calmly slotting the ball past the goalkeeper to make it 3-2 and send the Ugandan contingent into celebration.

When the referee blew the final whistle, Kawempe Muslim had secured all three points in a memorable opening Group Stage encounter, becoming the first Ugandan side to defeat the reigning African champions in the competition.

The victory marks a significant statement from the Ugandan representatives, who will now look to build on their impressive start as they pursue a place in the knockout stages.

Kawempe will return to action on Thursday, November 5, when they take on Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa Ladies in their second Group Stage match, hoping to maintain their winning momentum.