After the heartbreak of the opening game, Kampala Queens FC roared back to life with a spectacular 7-0 demolition of Denden FC in the final group-stage match of the CAF Women’s Champions League CECAFA Zonal Qualifiers.
It was a performance that had everything — intensity, flair, goals, and passion — perfectly capturing the spirit of the Queens of Soccer. There was no time for nerves. From the first whistle, the Queens pressed high, played quick, and showed hunger. It took only 7 minutes before the deadlock was broken by Kamiyati Naigaga — a well slotted ball after dribbling off the defenders, a sign of the storm that was about to hit Denden FC.
The ball moved beautifully through the midfield, Peace and Kamiyati ran riot in the wings, and every attack looked dangerous, playing to remind East Africa who we are.
The day was a shared masterpiece: Peace Muduwa struck twice— her goal to close off our first half scoring in the 32nd minute wasn’t enough, she also opened the second half list of scorers with a precious header a few seconds after restart. Kamiyati Naigaga, always a crowd favorite, was clinical in front of goal, netted the earliest of the day in the 3rd minute and also added another in the 77th minute. She celebrated her brace sending a late Diogo Jota clapping celebration. Ethiopian international Turist Lema added her name to the party with two brilliantly taken goals, a swinger in the 8th minute left defenders chasing shadows and later in the second half slotted home another beauty in the 47th minute. The seventh came when a Denden FC goalkeeper error turned into an own goal, sealing a perfect afternoon for the Queens.
Catherine Nagadya delivered an outstanding two-assist display in just two minutes. In the 45th minute, her precise corner found Peace Muduwa, who headed home the second half opener. Barely two minutes later, Nagadya split the defense with a perfectly weighted through ball that Turist Lema calmly converted.
A forced change came in the 65th minute when Daisy had to be stretchered off after struggling with the scorching heat. Her place was taken by Sharon Kaidu, who marked her official Palace debut just weeks after joining the team to seal the team’s clean sheet — a proud moment despite the challenging circumstances.
Assistant Coach Sharon Kizza praised her side’s mental strength and execution after the game:
“This was the response we were looking for. The players came out with the right attitude, and they executed our plan perfectly. Now we wait for the results of the other groups — but with this performance, we have given ourselves a real chance.”
Kampala Queens finish the group with three points and an impressive +6 goal difference. The team must now wait for results from the other groups to know if they qualify for the semifinals as one of the best second-placed teams.
Starting 11
Daisy Nakaziro, Joanitah Ainembabazi, Jamira Nabulime, Turist Lema, Jolly Kobusinge, Shakirah Nankwanga ©, Catherine Nagadya, Marrion Amangat, Peace Muduwa, Kamiyati Naigaga, Meadin Sahilu.
