Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC powered into the semifinals of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA zonal qualifiers in emphatic fashion, finishing top of Group B with a flawless six-point record.
The Ugandan champions underlined their title credentials on Wednesday with a resounding 8-0 demolition of Djibouti’s FC UJECO at Kigali Pele Stadium in Rwanda, maintaining their perfect start to the tournament.
Jovia Nakagolo and Latifah Nakasi struck twice each, while Agnes Nabukenya, Cecilia Apiding and Samalie Nakacwa also found the net.
FC UJECO defender Nesima Elemo completed the scoring with an unfortunate own goal.
Kawempe needed only 13 minutes to break the deadlock when Elemo inadvertently turned Nakagolo’s dangerous cross into her own net while attempting to clear the ball.
Nakagolo then took centre stage, doubling the advantage in the 20th minute before heading home her second six minutes later from Samalie Nakacwa’s inviting cross.
Nakacwa made it 4-0 in the 34th minute, before captain Nabukenya added another five minutes later with one of her trademark strikes from distance.
Nakasi completed a devastating first-half display in the 39th minute, tapping home from close range after Nabukenya had cut the ball back from the right flank to give Kawempe a commanding 6-0 lead at the interval.
The Valley Warriors showed no signs of easing off after the restart.
Apiding marked her first appearance in Kawempe colours with a goal seven minutes into the second half, extending the lead to 7-0.
Nakasi then completed the rout in the final minute, rising at the far post to head home substitute Aminah Nakato’s cross and seal a comprehensive victory.
Coach Ayub Khalifa Kiyingi made four changes to the team that edged defending champions Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Women FC 1-0 in their opening Group B encounter, but the reshuffled side retained its attacking authority and controlled proceedings from start to finish.
Kawempe will now renew acquaintances with CBE in the semifinal on Saturday, August 29, with the Ugandan champions seeking to reach the final of the CECAFA zonal qualifiers for the first time.
