Kampala Queens FC will feel they dropped two points rather than gained one after a performance defined by first-half control, missed chances and second-half defensive lapses in a 2-2 draw against Rines SS WFC.
Played under foggy conditions that initially threatened rain before the skies cleared and the sun emerged, the Queens of Soccer started the match with confidence and authority. Their ball circulation was sharp, stretching play across the pitch and pinning the visitors deep in their half.
The early dominance, however, lacked the decisive finish in the final third.
One of the clearest opportunities arrived when Peace Muduwa beat her marker on the right flank, drove to the byline and delivered a precise cutback into the box. Catherine met it first time, but her effort drifted inches wide. Despite sustained pressure and several attacking sequences, the breakthrough remained elusive for most of the first 45 minutes.
Just as the half seemed destined to end goalless, the Queens’ persistence paid off in added time. Shamusa initiated the move with a forward pass to Joanitah, who calmly set up Peace Muduwa to finish and hand a deserved 1-0 lead in the first minute of stoppage time.
The restart however, told a different story.
Rines SS WFC grew into the game and capitalized on defensive lapses. In the 55th minute, Patricia Nakato Nanyanzi converted from the penalty spot after a foul by Esther Namusoke in the area, leveling the score at 1-1 and shifting momentum.
Five minutes later, the visitors struck again. Phiona Arach punished a defensive lapse with a composed finish to put Rines ahead, turning the match on its head within a short spell.
What had been a controlled performance in the first half suddenly became a test of character. In response, the technical bench made early adjustments, with Esther Namusoke withdrawn for Kamiyati Naigaga shortly after the penalty incident to stabilize the team.
The match also marked the debuts of new signings Loyce Komugisha and Rinah Ariho, who were introduced in the second half. Komugisha replaced Teddy Najjuma while Ariho came on for Shamusa Najjuma, adding fresh energy and urgency as the Queens pushed for a response.
Trailing for a prolonged period, the Queens continued to press and search for a breakthrough. Their persistence was rewarded in the 80th minute when Zaitun Namaganda stepped up with a crucial equalizer to restore parity at 2-2.
The late goal ensured the Queens salvaged a point from a game they largely controlled, especially in the opening half.
Assistant Coach Sharon Kizza expressed disappointment with the overall display, emphasizing that the result did not reflect the team’s potential.
“It is a game that we would have won. Considering our previous games with Rines, it wasn’t a good display today; we didn’t do our best as a team.”
She also pointed to the nature of the goals conceded and lack of concentration in key moments.
“When you look at the way we conceded, we just gave them those goals. We lacked character, and in the final third we created many chances but lacked concentration.”
Despite the setbacks, she remained focused on the positives.
“Nevertheless, we can go back and build on this one point we’ve got and see how we bounce back and get better results in the second game.”
The Queens of Soccer return to action on Saturday 28th February 2026, when they host Asubo Ladies FC at MTN Omondi Stadium, aiming to turn control into maximum points.
Starting 11
- Gloria Namakula (GK)
- Shakirah Nankwanga©
- Jamilah Nabulime
- Catherine Nagadya
- Shamusa Najjuma
- Zaitun Namaganda
- Teddy Najjuma
- Joanitah Ainembabazi
- Peace Muduwa
- Esther Namusoke
- Marrion Amangat
