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Kampala Queens have booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025 CECAFA Women’s Champions League Qualifiers and are set to face Rwanda’s Rayon Sports Women Football Club in a highly anticipated clash.
The Ugandan champions advanced to the semifinals on Thursday evening, September 11, 2025, after a dramatic conclusion to the group stage. Their qualification was sealed not through their own match but thanks to a crucial result in another group fixture JKT Queens of Tanzania defeated South Sudan’s Yei Joint Stars, allowing Kampala Queens to progress as the best-placed third team due to their superior goal difference.
Kampala Queens’ journey to the semifinals hasn’t been smooth, but it has been marked by resilience and tactical discipline. They narrowly squeezed through the group stages, but their determination and defensive strength proved enough to earn them a second chance at glory.
Head coach Firew Asefa Hailegebreal acknowledged the team’s challenging path and the importance of the semifinal fixture.
“Every game in this tournament has pushed us to be better,” said Coach Hailegebreal. “The semifinals will require discipline, teamwork, and character – qualities our team has shown consistently. This is a new task and a new challenge you either win and go to the final or lose and go home. We are ready.”
He also showed respect for their upcoming opponents but remained confident in his squad’s preparation.
“We have watched our opponents play, but they have watched us too. I believe that my team will handle them very carefully and minimise mistakes as we fight for maximum points.”
Team captain Shakira Nankwanga echoed the coach’s sentiments, praising the team’s preparation and unity ahead of the crucial tie.
Kampala Queens Captain Shakira Nankwanga
“The team is well prepared, and every player is in good shape,” said Nankwanga. “Thanks to the intense training sessions our coaches have led, we are ready to fight for a positive result.”
Rayon Sports have impressed in the tournament with their fluid attacking play and disciplined defense which saw them defeat the defending champions CBE in the group stages hence eliminating them.
With a place in the final and a step closer to the CAF Women’s Champions League at stake, Saturday’s clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two determined sides.
