Kawempe Muslim Ladies Football Club coach Ayub Khalifa believes his players still have work to do before representing Uganda at the CAF Women’s Champions League, despite their hard-earned 2-1 victory over Uganda Martyrs Lubaga WFC on Sunday.

Kawempe recovered from a difficult second half to beat their rivals at St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, ending Uganda Martyrs’ unbeaten start to the 2026/27 FUFA Women Super League season and moving to the top of the table.

However, Khalifa was quick to point out areas that need improvement, particularly the team’s movement, transitions and discipline on the pitch.

“This was our third match and second win of the campaign. It hasn’t been easy. In the first half, we played well, but in the second, we lost some stability and balance. Later on, we settled and managed to win 2-1,” Khalifa said.

The coach knows that domestic victories alone will not be enough when Kawempe face some of Africa’s best clubs in November. He wants his players to improve their understanding of the game before the continental competition begins.

“There is so much to learn as we prepare for the CAF Women’s Champions League. The girls have to learn a few more things, including their behaviour on the field of play, movement when we have and don’t have the ball, and transitioning.

“We have to work on all those areas so that we don’t look clueless during the tournament,” he added.

Kawempe will represent the CECAFA region at the tournament after becoming the first Ugandan club to qualify for the CAF Women’s Champions League.

They secured their place on September 1 after defeating Kenya Police Bullets FC 1-0 in extra time in the final of the 2026 CECAFA zonal qualifiers in Kigali, Rwanda. Striker Agnes Nabukenya scored the decisive goal in the 100th minute.

With the continental tournament scheduled for November 1–15, Khalifa is keen to ensure his team arrives prepared for the challenge.

Nabukenya makes the difference

Sunday’s encounter brought together the league’s top two teams, with Uganda Martyrs starting the weekend at the summit and defending champions Kawempe in second place.

Uganda Martyrs started brightly and nearly took the lead when Brenda Munyana’s dangerous effort was cleared off the line by Asia Nakibuuka for a corner.

Deborah Nanvule also came close, but Kawempe goalkeeper Juliet Nambuya produced an excellent save to deny her.

Kawempe gradually settled into the game, with Latifa Nakasi missing a good opportunity after a fine cross from Jovia Nakagolo, sending her effort over the crossbar.

Captain Shakira Nyinagahirwa also failed to make the most of another Nakagolo delivery, shooting wide.

The breakthrough finally came in the 22nd minute when Nabukenya capitalised on a defensive mistake by Uganda Martyrs and calmly beat goalkeeper Joan Namusisi to put Kawempe ahead.

Uganda Martyrs tried to respond, but Auki sent her effort over the bar in the 34th minute as Kawempe grew in confidence.

The hosts struck again just before half-time. Right-back Samali Nakacwa launched a long throw-in into the penalty area, where Nabukenya controlled the ball on her chest before firing a superb half-volley past Namusisi.

The striker’s second goal gave Kawempe a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.

Uganda Martyrs rally after the break

Uganda Martyrs coach Edward Kasozi Ssozi responded with changes at half-time, bringing on forwards Sharon Nabbowa and Maureen Kizza to give his side more pace and urgency.

The substitutes immediately troubled Kawempe’s defence. Nabbowa weaved through the backline before setting up Auki, whose shot struck the upright.

Kizza came close to pulling one back in the 64th minute when she headed just wide from Auki’s corner.

Uganda Martyrs eventually found a breakthrough after a poor clearance by Kawempe defender Sharifah Nakimera fell to Kizza. With Nambuya off her line, the substitute lifted the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 2-1.

The goal gave the visitors renewed hope, and they pushed hard for an equaliser. However, Kawempe held firm despite the pressure.

The defending champions also had chances to extend their lead late in the game. Nakasi shot narrowly wide before Nakagolo failed to convert Anita Namata’s cross, sending her effort over the bar.

Kawempe eventually held on for the win, handing Uganda Martyrs their first defeat of the season.

Kawempe share top spot

The victory leaves Kawempe joint top of the FUFA Women Super League standings with St Noa Girls Zana FC on seven points. Both sides have a goal difference of plus four.

Uganda Martyrs drop to third with six points after losing for the first time this campaign.

Kawempe will travel to Bukedea to face Amus College WFC on Saturday, October 24, while Uganda Martyrs host She Corporate at Phillip Omondi Stadium the following day.

For Khalifa, the victory is a welcome boost, but his attention is already turning to the bigger challenge ahead.

The CAF Women’s Champions League will run from November 1–15 and feature eight clubs. As Uganda’s first representatives at the competition, Kawempe will be eager to make their mark, but Khalifa knows his players must improve their tactical discipline and consistency if they are to compete with the continent’s best.