A wet morning in Kampala threatened to disrupt matchday, as heavy rainfall swept across the city and left the MTN Omondi Stadium surface barely playable. But fortune favoured the bold. The downpour eased just in time, and Kampala Queens FC made the most of the moment—securing a disciplined and well-earned 2–0 victory against Uganda Martyrs H/S WFC.
Kickoff was pushed by 12 minutes as match officials assessed the playing surface. Fans, chilled by the weather, remained quieter than usual, but once the whistle finally went, the Queens switched immediately into competitive mode.
Despite the drizzle that persisted throughout, the team showed remarkable character—fighting for second balls, countering with pace, and pressing with intensity. Unlike their usual possession-based style under Ethiopian tactician Hailegebreal Asefa, the Queens adapted to conditions, opting for long balls and quick transitions to exploit the flanks. The reason for this approach was explained by the coach in the post match press address.
In the 12th minute came the moment that shifted the rhythm of the game. A brilliant burst of pace from Kamiyati down the left saw her glide past defenders before being brought down inside the penalty area. The referee pointed to the spot, but the challenge left her needing medical attention before she could continue.
The responsibility from 12 yards fell to Catherine Nagadya, facing her former club and former teammate—goalkeeper Namusisi Joan, who also once wore Kampala Queens’ colours.
In the 14th minute Catherine remained composed and smashed the ball into the right corner. Namusisi guessed correctly but the power and height of the strike beat her. Respectfully, Catherine did not celebrate, but her goal lifted the Queens into an early lead.
Uganda Martyrs pushed hard for an equalizer, but Kampala Queens remained compact, well-organized, and threatening on set pieces. In the added minutes of the first half, a dangerous free kick from Joanitah Ainembabazi crashed off the post and rebounded perfectly for Catherine, who had made a smart run into the box. She rose to nod the ball home—her second of the match and a well-deserved brace. The Queens marched into halftime with a commanding 2–0 advantage.
The second half unfolded with a mix of caution and determination from both teams. The soaked pitch continued to challenge ball movement, but Kampala Queens maintained discipline, closed down spaces, and protected their lead with maturity.
Kamiyati Naigaga was fouled badly in the middle of second half to force a substitution as she was moved to the ambulance for further examinations and treatment – On came Jolly Kobusinge and Patience Nabulobi and Amangat Marrion exited too.
Goalkeeper Gloria ‘Zaza’ Namakula delivered another confident performance, ensuring nothing crossed her goal line. The final whistle confirmed both victory and continuation of the Queens’ impressive home form.
For her match-winning brace and intelligent attacking display, Catherine Nagadya was crowned the Finance Trust Bank Woman of the Match.
Post-Match Reactions
Catherine Nagadya – Goal Scorer
“I scored and I was the Woman of the Match. I thank God and I thank my teammates for the good work they have done. We worked as a team so that we can win, and I’m happy to score for my team.”
Assistant Coach – Sharon Kizza
“We started the game when the weather was not very good, so we adjusted our strategy. We told the players to play deeper and catch up with the surface because water was everywhere. Luckily, we managed to win the game and take all three points.”
The Queens will play their next league match on Saturday 22nd November against She Maroons FC in Luzira.
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Gloria Namakula (GK), Esther Namusoke, Marrion Amangat, Shakirah Nankwanga ©, Jamira Nabulime, Zaitun Namaganda, Peace Muduwa, Catherine Nagadya, Shamusa Najjuma, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Kamiyati Naigaga
