Kampala Queens FC kicked off their CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers campaign with a hard-fought but disappointing 1-0 loss to Kenya Police Bullets FC on Thursday afternoon.
The clash, played at a Nyayo Stadium, promised fireworks as the two teams went head-to-head in what many had termed an early “group final.”
The opening exchanges were a cagey affair, with both sides showing respect for each other’s strengths. Kampala Queens settled quickly, controlling possession and creating the game’s first real chances through quick interplays.
The Bullets, however, grew into the game and posed threats of their own, forcing goalkeeper Nakaziro into a smart save midway through the half. The first 45 minutes ended with neither side finding the back of the net, leaving the contest delicately poised at halftime.
Opponents came out of the tunnel with renewed energy, and their intent was immediately rewarded. Barely a minute after the restart, substitute Emily Moranga made an instant impact, timing her run perfectly to head home from close range with her very first touch of the game.
The early goal forced Kampala Queens into chasing the match, threw bodies forward in search of an equalizer but all in vain. Despite dominating possession for large parts of the second half and pressing the Bullets deep into their half, the breakthrough never came. The Queens were left to rue missed chances as the referee’s final whistle confirmed a 1-0 defeat in the opening fixture.
Assistant Coach Sharon Kizza admitted the result was disappointing but insisted the team will regroup and come back stronger for the next game.
“We had planned our style of play, which unfortunately did not work out in this game. We were playing the host, and things did not go well for us,” Kizza said before adding;
“We created chances but failed to convert them. Our midfield didn’t work enough, we shall go back to the drawing board, correct our mistakes, and bounce back stronger in the next game.”
The focus now shifts to our final group game, where the Queens will face Denden FC from Eritrea on Sunday, 7th September. Victory will be crucial to keep hopes of advancing to the knockout stage alive.
Starting 11
Daisy Nakaziro (GK), Joanitah Ainembabazi, Jamira Nabulime, Esther Namusoke, Shakirah Nankwanga © , Marrion Amangat, Meadin Sahilu, Peace Muduwa, Catherine Wujja, Turist Lema, Shamusa Najjuma.
