CAFWCL: Spirited Kawempe Fall to Ampem Darkoa in Egypt

Thursday, November 5

Kawempe 1-2 Ampem Darkoa

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Despite putting up a spirited fight, Kawempe Muslim Ladies suffered their first defeat in the CAF Women’s Champions League group stage after losing 2-1 to Ghanaian side Ampem Darkoa on Thursday evening.

In the encounter played at the Suez Canal Stadium in Egypt, the Valley Warriors fell behind early before fighting back to level matters, only for Ampem Darkoa to score a late winner and claim all three points.

Amoh Nancy opened the scoring for Ampem Darkoa in the ninth minute after goalkeeper Josephine Nambuya made a costly error that gifted the Ghanaian side an early advantage.

However, Kawempe continued pushing and believing, and their efforts paid off in the 34th minute when teenager Shadia Nabirye restored parity.

A miscalculated cross from Jovia Nakagolo found Shadia Nabirye unmarked, allowing the youngster to tap the ball into an empty net and bring Kawempe back into the contest.

In the second half, Nambuya produced three crucial saves to keep the scores level, although Ampem Darkoa looked slightly more dominant as the game progressed.

Kawempe also came close to taking the lead when Jovia Nakagolo made a driving run into the penalty area before unleashing a shot that struck the crossbar. Shakirah Nyinagahirwa, however, failed to capitalise on the rebound.

With just six minutes remaining, Beline Nyakoh restored Ampem Darkoa’s lead to make it 2-1.

Following a cross into the penalty area, Josephine Nambuya made an initial save, but the alert Beline reacted quickly to convert the rebound from close range.

Agnes Nabukenya nearly rescued a point for Kawempe, but her left-footed effort from outside the penalty area narrowly missed the target.

At the death, goalscorer Nancy Amoh almost extended Ampem Darkoa’s advantage, but Nambuya produced an excellent save to deny her.

The final whistle confirmed a 2-1 victory for Ampem Darkoa, handing Kawempe their first defeat of the tournament.

The Valley Warriors will return to action this Sunday against Mali’s USFAS as they seek to progress beyond the group stage.

Ayub Khalifah’s coached side will need a victory against USFAS to strengthen their chances of securing a place in the knockout stage.