Kampala Queens head into today’s clash against Eritrea’s Denden FC with their tournament hopes hanging by a thread, knowing that anything less than victory could end their CAF Women’s Champions League dream.
The Ugandan champions, who fell 1-0 to Kenya Police Bullets in their opening game, face not just Denden but also the weight of group-stage mathematics. The equation is brutal: win big or risk elimination. A convincing victory would breathe life into their campaign and temporarily lift them to the top of the group, but their fate still depends on what happens when Kenya Police Bullets meet Denden on Wednesday.
Assistant coach Sharon Aceng admitted the pressure is real, but insisted the team is ready to respond.
“We have settled the players down and the focus is on winning Sunday’s game and hopefully, we will qualify for the semifinals,” she said.
To spark their attack, head coach Asefa is expected to unleash fresh legs. Creative midfielder Catherine Nagadya and forward Jolly Kobusinge, who both started on the bench in the opener, are tipped for starting roles in a side that desperately needs goals.
Meanwhile, the day’s action begins with a high-stakes fixture between Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women FC and Burundi’s Top Girls Academy. Rayon, already on three points, require just a draw to book a semifinal slot, while Top Girls Academy—making their tournament bow—are determined to announce themselves with an opening win.
The wider picture remains complex. Even if Kampala Queens overcome Denden, results elsewhere could still block their path. A potential draw between Rayon and Top Girls today, followed by a Burundian win over Ethiopia’s CBE, could shut the door on Uganda’s representatives altogether.
But the message inside the Kampala Queens’ camp is clear: control what you can. With fresh attacking options and renewed determination, the Ugandan side must first conquer Denden before looking at calculators and permutations.
For the Queens, survival in the CECAFA qualifiers starts today—and only goals will keep their continental hopes alive.
