Defending champions Kampala Queens FC registered their first win of the 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League season in style — coming from behind to defeat Makerere University Women FC 2–1 in a thrilling matchday two encounter played at the MTN Omondi Stadium, Lugogo.
After sharing spoils in a tough 1–1 away encounter with Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC on opening weekend, the Queens returned home determined to claim their first three points of the new campaign — but the early minutes provided an unexpected twist.
Makerere University WFC, shocked the hosts with an early lead just three minutes into the game. Their captain Josephine Ndagire rose highest to meet a looping cross, nodding home a well-placed header that beat the Kampala Queens’ goalkeeper and sent the visitors into wild celebration. The goal unsettled the Queens momentarily, forcing them to chase the game from very early on.
Despite the early setback, the home side didn’t panic. They gradually grew into the game, building confidence through the backline to the midfielders Nagadya, Zaitun and Precious, while forward Kamiyati Naigaga continued to test the Makerere defense. Naigaga came close to restoring parity in the 30th minute when she broke through the backline and went one-on-one with the goalkeeper, only to see her effort drift inches wide of the post. The miss left the crowd gasping, but it was clear the Queens were gaining momentum.
The first half ended with the visitors holding on to their slim advantage, but Kampala Queens returned from the break with renewed energy and purpose. Head Coach Firew Hailegebreal made a tactical change a few minutes to end of first half, introducing Joanitah Ainembabazi for Square Maiwase — a substitution that would turn out to be a masterstroke.
Barely three minutes into the second half, the home side’s pressure finally paid off. From a perfectly delivered Catherine Nagadya corner, Ainembabazi timed her run to perfection, rising above her marker to head home a powerful equalizer in the 48th minute. It was her first goal donning the royal turquoise blue — and fittingly, the first goal scored by a Queen at home this campaign.
The equalizer sparked life back into the defending champions, who suddenly looked unstoppable. As the match entered the final stages, the Queens maintained their intensity, showing why they are the reigning champions. Their persistence finally paid off in stoppage time. Deep into the three added minutes, Ainembabazi — already the hero of the night — turned provider, slipping a clever through ball into the path of Kamiyati, who calmly slotted past the goalkeeper to seal a dramatic 2–1 comeback victory.
It was Naigaga’s second goal of the season, and one that sent the home fans into jubilation as the final whistle confirmed Kampala Queens’ first win of the new campaign.
The game also marked notable milestones for several players. Zambian duo Precious Phiri and Square Maiwase both made their full debuts in turquoise blue, while Daphine Tukamushabe made her league debut, replacing Shamusa Najjuma in the closing minutes.
After the final whistle, Assistant Coach Sharon Kiiza expressed her delight with the team’s character and resilience:
“Our first game at home this season, and we managed to collect three points from it. Coming from a goal down in the first half, we showed great character and fighting spirit to win the game with two goals. I want to thank the ladies for their commitment, for not giving up, and for ensuring we got the three points. As a technical team, this was a good response and a great performance overall.”
Goal scorer Joanitah Ainembabazi, who also assisted the winner, couldn’t hide her excitement after her standout performance:
“I am very happy to have scored my first goal and provided an assist for the team. I thank the Almighty and my teammates for working so hard together to secure three points at home.”
The victory lifted spirits in the Queens’ camp and also strengthened their early-season standing. It marked Kampala Queens’ third victory in seven meetings against Makerere University WFC, the rest being draws and taking their total goals scored in this fixture to nine.
With four points from two games, the Queens have started to build momentum in their title defense journey. Their next challenge will be a short trip to Wakiso on Sunday, 19th October 2025, where they face Rines SS WFC at Kabaka Kyabaggu Stadium.
