Kampala Queens FC brought the first round of the 2025/26 Finance Trust Bank FUFA Women Super League to a confident close with a commanding 3–0 victory over Lady Doves FC at the fortress. The Queens delivered a complete performance — three goals, a clean sheet, and maximum points — to remain third on the league table as the opening phase of the season officially concluded.
It was also a special afternoon for goalkeeper Sharon Kaidu, who registered her first clean sheet since joining the Queens of Soccer. Kaidu featured in six of the eleven matches played in the first round, showing growing confidence between the posts. This brings the department’s total to 4 cleansheets.
The Queens set the tempo from the opening whistle and nearly struck inside the first minutes. Peace Muduwa found the net early, but celebrations were cut short as the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.
That early warning sign was followed by sustained pressure from Kampala Queens, who dominated possession and pinned Lady Doves in their own half.
The breakthrough came in the 28th minute. Muduwa, lively on the right flank, skipped past her marker before delivering a pinpoint cross from the byline. Catherine Nagadya attacked the ball with intent and powered a header into the net to give the Queens a deserved 1–0 lead.
Kampala Queens continued to threaten. Joanitah Ainembabazi later nearly beat the goalkeeper to a loose ball but saw her effort saved, while a rebound involving Muduwa was ruled out due to an offside position.
The first half ended with the Queens firmly in control, though still searching for a larger cushion.
Fifteen minutes after the restart, head coach Firew made tactical changes aimed at sustaining momentum and sharpening control. Precious Phiri replaced Namaganda Zaitun, while Marrion Amangat came on for Jolly Kobusinge, adding fresh legs in midfield and solidity on the left side.
The impact was immediate. In the 69th minute, a long ball was sent into the final third. Nagadya’s clever flick unsettled the Lady Doves defence, allowing Joanitah Ainembabazi to pounce and slot home with her right foot to make it 2–0.
With the game firmly under control, the Queens continued to manage possession and dictate the tempo. Patience Nabulobi replaced Teddy Najjuma in the 79th minute, while late substitutions saw Wujja Catherine and Daphine introduced for Peace Muduwa and Joanitah Ainembabazi respectively in the added time.
The final goal arrived in the last minute of normal time and capped a dominant team display.
A perfectly weighted long ball from near the centre line, delivered by Shamusa Najjuma, cut through the Lady Doves defence. Catherine Nagadya latched onto it and expertly guided the ball into the back of the net to complete her brace and seal a 3–0 victory.
The goals took Nagadya’s tally to nine for the season, making her the current top scorer in the league. Her influence throughout the match earned her the Woman of the Match award.
Speaking after the game, Nagadya expressed her happiness with both the team performance and her personal contribution.
“I am very happy to score two goals for my team and to be named Woman of the Match. I will keep working hard to help my team. My role is to score, and I will continue scoring if God wishes.”
At the post-match press conference, Assistant Coach Sharon Kizza praised the players for finishing the first round on a positive note after a challenging period.
She highlighted the team’s improved ball circulation, discipline, and adherence to the club’s playing philosophy. While noting that the number of chances created could have resulted in more goals, she expressed satisfaction with the overall performance and the clean sheet.
““It was important for us to finish the first round on a positive note. The win gives the team confidence after a challenging period. I am happy with how the players implemented our philosophy, especially in ball circulation and overall game control. We created many chances in both halves.”
Kizza also credited Nagadya’s outstanding form to collective teamwork, emphasizing that individual success is built on strong team effort. Looking ahead, she stressed the importance of reinforcing the squad and increasing internal competition as Kampala Queens aim to push harder for silverware in the second round.
“Catherine has been outstanding, but her success comes from the collective effort of the team. As we move into the second round, we want to strengthen the squad and increase competition so we can push harder for our targets.”
The Queens of Soccer now turn their focus forward, determined to build on this performance and mount an even stronger challenge in the second round.
Starting 11
Sharon Kaidu (GK), Esther Namusoke, Teddy Najjuma, Shakirah Nankwanga ©, Jamirah Nabulime, Zaitun Namaganda, Jolly Kobusinge, Catherine Nagadya, Shamusa Najjuma, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Peace Muduwa.
