Ugandan football history reaches an unprecedented high this evening as Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC step onto the Suez Canal Stadium turf for their high-stakes 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League semifinal against two-time continental champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM EAT, following the opening semifinal clash between Moroccan giants AS FAR and Cameroon’s Lekie FF (3:00 PM EAT).
Kawempe Muslim’s journey to the final four has broken ground for East African women’s football. Navigating a challenging Group B, the CECAFA champions sealed passage to the knockout stage following a thrilling 3–2 win over defending champions AS FAR and a decisive 3–0 victory against USFAS Bamako.
Standing between the Ugandan debutants and the final is South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns—an elite outfit that topped Group A unbeaten and has never lost a knockout match to a tournament debutant.
Addressing the tactical challenge, Kawempe head coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi urged his squad to stay grounded and execute their natural game: “The team, I know, is strong. They have taken this trophy two times. But as Kawempe, we are going to go back to our game. We are going to concentrate and find a way of winning them.” — Coach Ayub Khalifah Kiyingi told reporters in Egypt.
Celebrating the squad’s fighting spirit following their group-stage qualification, Coach Ayub added: “I thank the players for their spirited effort, commitment, and teamwork. This achievement is a result of the hard work we have put in together as a team… We are very happy that on our first attempt in the tournament, we have made it through to the knockout stage. We now need to focus on the next stage.”
Kawempe will draw significant confidence from forward Agnes Nabukenya, who leads their attack with four goals in three matches, alongside key contributions from Jovia Nakagolo and Shakirah Nyingahirwa.
Financial Breakdown:
Beyond a spot in the final, massive financial incentives are on the line in Egypt:
$300,000 (UGX 1.1 Billion): Minimum prize money already secured by Kawempe for reaching the semifinals (4th place payout).
$350,000 (UGX 1.29 Billion): Payout awarded to the winner of the 3rd-place playoff match.
$400,000 (UGX 1.48 Billion): Guaranteed prize money for the tournament Runner-Up.
$600,000 (UGX 2.22 Billion): Payout for the CAF WCL Champion, alongside direct qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
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If Kawempe overcome Sundowns today, they will become the first East African club in history to reach the final of Africa’s premier women’s club competition.
Fixture: Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies vs Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC
Kickoff: 6:00 PM EAT
Venue: Suez Canal Stadium, Ismailia
