Babirye’s Late Strike Powers Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC to Victory Over Lady Doves | Sbk Sports Mail

BY

Brian Sentuuya

A dramatic late strike from the super-sub Babirye Hadijah handed Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC a crucial 1-0 victory over Lady Doves WFC at the Kawempe Muslim SS Playground, solidifying their place at the summit of the 2024/2025 Finance Trust Women Super League. With temperatures soaring, Babirye’s electrifying goal not only lit up the field but also earned the defending champions three vital points in their quest to retain the crown. This showdown of grit and resilience has sent a resounding message across the league that Kawempe is here to dominate.

As a former Luweero Giant Queen midfielder, Babirye showcased her experience and game-changing ability after coming off the bench in the 64th minute to replace midfielder Krusoom Namutebi. With fresh legs and a hunger to make a difference, Babirye seized her chance in the 81st minute, slotting home a perfectly timed flick from a teammate. Her goal, a picture-perfect finish under pressure, demonstrated her knack for stepping up when the stakes are high, and it turned the tide in a match that had been balanced on a knife’s edge.

The match, played under blazing conditions, was a battle of endurance and will, as both teams entered with determination and an eye for victory. Until Babirye’s strike, neither side had managed to break through, as defenses held firm, and scoring chances were few and far between. The hot afternoon sun bore down on both sets of players, adding another layer of difficulty to what was already a tense and tightly contested affair.

Kawempe’s coach, Ayub Khalifa, made tactical decisions that paid off handsomely. Trusting his players’ defensive instincts, he retained the ever-reliable Josephine Nambuya in goal and set up a solid back-four formation, anchored by the central pairing of Mushimre Ritah and Sharifah Nakimera. The defensive wall was completed by Samalie Nakachwa and Jolly Kobusingye on the right and left flanks, respectively, ensuring Lady Doves had little breathing room in the final third.

The midfield trio of captain Phionah Nabulime, the indefatigable Krusoom Namutebi, and last season’s MVP Agnes Nabukenya formed the engine room that dictated the pace. Nabulime, in particular, led by example, marshaling her troops and pushing the team forward when opportunities arose. Together, this midfield setup formed a cohesive unit that nullified the opposition and controlled the game’s tempo, enabling Kawempe to stay on the front foot.

Speedsters Shadia Nabirye and Sumaya Nabbuto patrolled the wings, using their pace to press Lady Doves and create openings. Up front, Hadijah Nandago led the line, keeping the Lady Doves defenders on their toes with her tenacious presence. The cohesion of the team highlighted the chemistry Khalifa has fostered, which has become one of Kawempe’s trademarks.

This fixture carried an added layer of motivation for Kawempe, who were hungry for redemption after Lady Doves ended their impressive 21-game unbeaten streak in the previous season. That loss, a 3-2 setback in Masindi, was still fresh in the minds of the players. Determined to right that wrong, Kawempe’s warriors played with added fire, seeking both victory and vengeance in front of their loyal supporters.

Babirye’s 81st-minute goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, as fans celebrated the defining moment of a closely fought contest. Her low strike past the Doves’ keeper was a moment of magic that separated the two teams and left Lady Doves unable to mount a response. The importance of this goal goes beyond just three points; it reaffirmed Kawempe’s place as the team to beat and added another chapter to Babirye’s growing legend.

With this victory, Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC extended their lead at the top of the league to 16 points, creating a four-point cushion over second-placed Kampala Queens FC. The team’s tactical discipline, defensive solidity, and clinical finishing have them in pole position, showcasing why they’re the reigning champions and signaling that they intend to stay there.

The defending champions are riding high, undefeated in the league with 16 points from six games. Their campaign has been a masterclass in resilience and cohesion, having found the net 10 times while conceding only once. This impressive record speaks to their blend of defensive discipline and offensive efficiency, characteristics that have made them a formidable force on the pitch.

Their journey to the top has been nothing short of spectacular. They launched their title defense with a commanding 3-0 home victory over Rines SS WFC, followed by a resounding 3-0 away triumph over Wakiso Hill WFC. Narrow 1-0 wins against She Maroons and Makerere University WFC showed their ability to grind out results and keep clean sheets, which has kept their winning momentum intact.

However, in match day five, Kawempe faced their first road bump, sharing the spoils with newly promoted Amus College School WFC in a closely contested 1-1 draw. Despite the slight hiccup, their relentless march has continued, fueled by a squad that’s well-drilled and unyielding in its pursuit of victory.

On the flip side, this defeat brought an end to Lady Doves’ unbeaten start to the season, leaving them in fifth place with eight points after six games. Lady Doves’ record of two wins, two draws, and one loss reflects a commendable start to the season, yet this defeat may have come as a reality check for the Masindi-based side as they regroup and aim to bounce back stronger.

In another thrilling encounter on Match Day 6, Uganda Martyrs WFC and Rines SS WFC played out a goalless draw at Bugolobi. The result left Uganda Martyrs in ninth place with just six points, precariously three points above the relegation zone. For Rines SS WFC, this stalemate kept them in seventh place with eight points, as they look to strengthen their position in the league.

Meanwhile, Olila H/S Women Football Club delighted home fans with their first win of the season, a stunning 3-1 victory over Tooro Queens in Soroti. This impressive performance lifted Olila from the relegation zone to ninth place. Led by Mary Lotyang Elgonda’s opening strike and goals from Amangat Marrion and Acen Sharon, Olila showcased grit and determination, offering hope for a season turnaround.

Tooro Queens, however, find themselves at the bottom of the table, having secured only one point so far. Despite Shallon Nabowa’s consolation goal, they struggled to gain footing, as each match becomes a crucial test in their battle against relegation.

Makerere University WFC, meanwhile, issued a strong statement with a commanding 3-0 win over Wakiso Hill. This result propelled them to third place, as they aim to become serious title contenders. For Wakiso Hill, their relegation worries deepen with just three points from six games.

At the MTN Omondi Stadium in Lugogo, Kampala Queens continued to shine with a solid 2-0 victory over Amus College WFC. Esther Namusoke’s assist to Shamusa Najjuma and a second goal from Anita Namata set the Queens on course for victory, narrowing the gap with league leaders Kawempe to just four points.

The upcoming fixtures will test the resolve of both teams. Olila H/S will face a stern test when they welcome league leaders Kawempe Muslim on November 17, hoping to build on their newfound momentum. Meanwhile, Tooro Queens will host She Corporate on November 16, a match that could prove pivotal as they battle to steer their season back on track. Stakes will be high, as both sides aim to gather crucial points to keep their dreams alive

This season’s league table is shaping up to be a fierce battleground, with Kawempe Muslim Ladies FC and Kampala Queens remaining the only two teams yet to taste defeat. Both teams are establishing themselves as serious title contenders, setting the stage for an exciting season as the race for supremacy intensifies with each match day.

Kawempe’s commitment to excellence shines in every performance, as they approach each game with a winning mentality and a determined focus on retaining their crown. With standout players like Babirye and Agnes Nabukenya—who was named Woman of the Match in today’s win—rising to the occasion in pivotal moments, Kawempe’s journey seems destined for glory, and their fans dare to dream of back-to-back titles.

The defending champions now have their sights firmly set on extending their unbeaten streak, knowing that every point counts in this fiercely competitive league. Kawempe’s mix of youth and experience, paired with their strategic play, has turned them into a well-oiled machine that’s difficult for any opponent to derail.

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