Assistant Coach Shafic Mutebi struck a balanced tone of realism and pride following Kampala Queens FC 1-1 draw with Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC in the last home fixture of the season at MTN Omondi Stadium Lugogo earlier today.
Speaking after the final whistle, Mutebi admitted the result was not entirely satisfying for a side that had set out to win, but emphasized the importance of grinding out a point against one of the league’s title contenders.
“It’s not the best result we wanted,” he noted, “but you have to be proud of the point. We were playing a team fighting for the championship.”
His sentiments reflected a game in which Kampala Queens had to dig deep, showing character and determination from the opening minute to the last. Against a disciplined Kawempe side, the Queens lifted intensity, refusing to be overrun despite periods of sustained pressure in the first half.
From the first whistle, the tempo was high, with Kawempe Muslim asserting their title ambitions through aggressive pressing and quick attacking transitions. However, Kampala Queens responded with composure, building from the back and looking to exploit spaces in wide areas. Both sides created half-chances before eventually finding the net. Kawempe Muslim struck first, capitalizing on a momentary lapse in concentration to edge ahead through Latifah Nakasi in the 37th minute.
The second half saw a tactical battle unfold, the response from Kampala Queens was not immediate but spirited. At the beginning of second half, The Queens grew into the game, pushing higher up the pitch and committing more bodies forward. Their persistence paid off in the 52nd minute when they found the equalizer, a header by defender Namusoke Esther from a well swung-in corner by Muduwa Peace, sending the home crowd into celebration and restoring belief within the team.
Mutebi was particularly pleased with the attitude of his players, highlighting their fighting spirit throughout the match.
“You have to be proud of the girls,” he said. “The fight they have put in from the first minute until the end of the game was commendable.”
He also acknowledged the fans, who celebrated the result despite it not being a victory. For Mutebi, the context mattered — this was a side that had struggled for consistency at home in the second round, now standing firm.
“It’s a good way to end the season at home,” he added, referencing Kawempe’s previous successful visits to Lugogo.
Assistant Coach Shafic Mutebi was also keen to highlight the standout performance of Peace Muduwa, whose display came under unique circumstances. She was named the Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League Woman of the Match.
Having featured just a day earlier for the national team — the Uganda U20 Women’s National Team — in their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Ghana, Muduwa returned to club duty and delivered a far more expressive and influential performance.
Mutebi pointed to the contrast in tactical setups as a key factor behind this difference.
“At the national team, it could have been about the game plan,” he explained. “But here, she has the freedom to express herself, support the team, create chances, and take her opportunities.”
At Kampala Queens FC, Muduwa was allowed to operate with greater attacking liberty — drifting into spaces, linking play and driving forward whenever the opportunity arose. This freedom translated into a lively and creative display, as she constantly looked to unlock the Kawempe defense.
Looking at the bigger picture, Mutebi was candid about the team’s overall campaign. Compared to previous seasons, Kampala Queens FC has undergone a period of transition, integrating new players while losing some experienced figures.
He referenced the absence of key former players and the gradual rise of younger talents such as Zaitun Namaganda and Kamiyati Naigaga, who have been given increased responsibility this season.
“This season has not been as good as the previous one,” he admitted. “We’ve been integrating new players and building a new team.”
Despite the challenges, he stressed that the process is necessary and ongoing, with the club laying foundations for future success.
Mutebi also creditted Kawempe Muslim Ladies, acknowledging their consistency and relentless pursuit of improvement.
“They keep fighting every season, just like us,” he said, recognizing the competitive nature of the league and the narrow margins that often define these encounters.
