The 2025 CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Qualifiers reach their thrilling conclusion this Tuesday at Kasarani Stadium, where Uganda’s Kampala Queens will look to salvage pride in the third-place playoff against Kenya Police Bullets FC. Kickoff is set for 12:00 PM.
After a heart-breaking 4-3 penalty shootout defeat to Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women FC in the semifinals, the Queens must now refocus on clinching a bronze medal — a tangible reward and a marked improvement from their 2023 debut, when they exited at the group stage.
Uganda will be without key defender Jolly Kobusinge, sidelined with a thigh injury suffered in the semifinal. Esther Namusoke is expected to fill the gap as the team seeks stability in defense. Kenya Police Bullets FC, on the other hand, will miss Ugandan defender Desire Katisi Natooro, who has joined the U20 national team camp ahead of World Cup qualifiers against Namibia. All other squad members are available, setting the stage for an intriguing contest.
Later in the day, all eyes will turn to the final, where unbeaten tournament favorites JKT Queens face Rayon Sports Women FC. Both sides have navigated the competition without defeat, though JKT Queens’ flawless group stage record gives them a psychological edge. In the semifinals, JKT overcame hosts Kenya Police Bullets FC in a tense penalty shootout, while Rayon Sports edged Kampala Queens in similar fashion.
JKT Queens are chasing a second CECAFA title, having lifted the trophy on home soil in 2023, and will lean on striker Jamila Rajabu, the tournament’s top scorer with five goals — three clear of her nearest rival — to fire them to glory.
For Kampala Queens, the challenge is clear: bounce back, end on a high, and prove that their progress over the last year is real. In a tournament defined by drama and penalties, the fight for bronze may be just as fiercely contested as the final itself.
